• Standard Bank to open Cairo office on Nov. 12, 2025

• Office to boost trade links between Egypt, Gulf, and Africa

• Bank also seeks full license to expand operations in Egypt

Standard Bank Group will open a representative office in Cairo on Nov. 12, 2025, media sources reported, marking the next phase of its North Africa expansion strategy.

The group, led by CEO Sim Tshabalala, sees Egypt as a strategic gateway to North African and Middle Eastern markets.

The Cairo office will facilitate trade between Egypt, the Gulf, and Sub-Saharan Africa. It will also serve as a hub for multinationals accessing African markets. Standard Bank aims to build a bridge between these regions to support trade, investment, and capital flows.

Broader Egyptian Ambitions

Tshabalala first announced the expansion in mid-August 2025 during the presentation of the group’s first-half financial results, saying the move aimed to expand its client base in fast-growing African markets.

Standard Bank’s ambitions in Egypt extend beyond a representative office. In April 2024, the group applied to Egyptian authorities for a full banking license. If granted, the license would allow the bank to expand operations beyond financial advisory to include taking deposits from Egyptian clients, extending loans to businesses and individuals, and financing projects across key sectors.

Founded more than 160 years ago in South Africa, Standard Bank operates in 21 African markets and maintains a presence in four major international financial centers: Dubai, New York, London, and Beijing. It is listed on the Johannesburg and Namibian stock exchanges.

Chamberline Moko