BY:TANA MALINGA
Standard Bank has invested R1 billion to enhance its online banking platform, reinforcing the digital banking experience for Business and Commercial Banking (BCB) clients.
Launched in October 2024, the upgraded platform forms part of a phased client migration journey. Enhancements are introduced progressively as part of the bank’s broader digital modernisation programme. All new clients are onboarded automatically, while existing clients are upgraded in phases and notified in advance, ensuring continuity, stability and security as improvements are implemented.
More than 140,000 businesses have already been onboarded to the new system. The platform enables business banking anytime, anywhere and across devices, allowing companies of all sizes to manage transactions, payroll and working capital with improved control and real-time visibility.
Since migration began, usage has grown steadily, reflecting increased adoption as clients transition to the new digital environment. The platform processes billions of rand in transactions monthly, underscoring its expanding role in supporting day-to-day business banking across South Africa.
While digital capability is central, Standard Bank maintains a human-led, digitally enabled model. Dedicated relationship managers continue to provide personalised support, sector expertise and guidance to help clients manage and grow their businesses.
Bill Blackie, Chief Executive of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group, says the investment focuses on improving reliability, usability and security, giving business owners and finance teams convenient, time-saving tools. Greater clarity and control allow clients to focus on running and expanding their businesses.
The platform supports BCB’s strategic priorities through investments in scalability, payments infrastructure, security and system integration. Designed to evolve over time, further enhancements will be introduced as migration progresses.
Key strategic benefits include:
Enhanced client experience: Seamless, personalised digital journeys
Digital adoption and efficiency: Digitised processes reduce friction and operational dependency
Stronger security and compliance:
Automated controls and audit trails minimise risk
Scalable growth: Supports expansion across segments and geographies
Innovation foundation: Enables immediate payments via PayShap, integration with accounting software, bulk payments and salary file uploads, with user roles and permission controls for improved oversight
The platform has also been redesigned to simplify user setup, permissions and approvals, enhancing both security and usability.
IMAGE SUPPLIED
