FNB Recognized as the Best SME Bank at the Global Finance’s inaugural SME Bank Awards

FNB has been announced as the Best SME Bank in South Africa and Africa at Global Finance’s inaugural SME Bank Awards. The criteria for Best SME Bank is based on knowledge of SME markets and needs, breadth of products and services, market standing, and innovation. FNB was recognised as the bank that best meets the specialised needs of SMEs in South Africa and Africa.

“To be awarded as the Best SME Bank in South Africa and Africa is truly humbling and affirms our commitment to empowering SMEs to continue playing a meaningful role in economies across our continent. Over the course of the pandemic, we have accelerated
investment in our digital platform to ensure that our commercial and retail clients can overcome operational and financial constraints caused by the global pandemic. As the global economy gradually re-opens, we remain on hand to help our clients to regain economic activity in all areas where we
operate.”

Jacques Celliers, FNB CEO

The recent accolade comes shortly after FNB was acknowledged as the Best Bank for Women Entrepreneurs as well as the SME Bank of the Year at last year’s Global SME Finance Forum.

“These accolades attest to our ongoing endeavours to better understand and provide solutions for our clients’ needs. Our strategy is underpinned by a myriad of initiatives to support businesses throughout their life stages and unique context. As a result,
we are also expanding our presence in the local markets, which is where many SMEs operate, to help address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in areas where they operate.

As we commemorate Global Entrepreneurship Week, we remain committed to finding ways to continue helping, supporting and growing entrepreneurs. We do this through our platform and partnerships to enable access to financial tools and advisory services. As such, we have a range of
educational materials on our digital platform where SMEs can access information that helps them with incubation, starting, running, and growing their enterprises.”

Gordon Little, FNB Commercial CEO

In 2019, the Bank introduced its Fundaba programme to provide free interactive entrepreneurial elearning via the FNB App. Fundaba comprises videos, podcasts, quizzes, templates, and tools for clients to learn about entrepreneurship and running a business. Recently, FNB also announced a phased rollout of innovative solutions for SMEs, such as creating a cost-effective e-Commerce platform and its new Android point-of-sale devices. The solutions will offer businesses access to cutting-edge innovation to meet the changing needs of their clients.