The Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg set the stage for a remarkable showcase of innovation and excellence on May 23rd, 2024, as it hosted the 12th Edition Connected Banking Summit – Southern Africa Innovation & Excellence Awards 2024. This prestigious event served as a beacon for the banking and financial services industry, shining a spotlight on remarkable achievements and advancements in the sector.

Bringing together over 300 global executives, experts, and leaders, the summit provided a dynamic platform for collaboration, learning, and networking. Against the backdrop of the theme "Empowering Tomorrow's Banking Digital Landscape: Enroute to Technology, Innovation, Inclusivity, and Sustainability," attendees engaged in insightful discussions and explored the latest trends shaping the future of banking.

A focal point of the summit was the presentation of the Innovation & Excellence Awards, which honored organizations and individuals making significant contributions to the BFSI industry in Southern Africa. These prestigious accolades recognized pioneering initiatives and exceptional leadership driving growth and development across various facets of the financial services landscape.

Among the distinguished award winners were:

- Best Bank in South Africa: Standard Bank Group
- Excellence in Consumer Digital Banking: First Rand Bank
- Excellence in Private Banking: First National Bank
- Excellence in Innovative Investment Banking: Absa CIB
- Excellence in Sustainable Banking: Nedbank
- Inspirational Personality in African Banking: Kennedy G. Bungane
- Excellence in Customer Centricity: Tyme Bank
- Excellence in Asset Management: Sasfin Bank
- CEO of the Year: Sim Tshabalala
- CIO of the Year: Johnson Idesoh
- Chief Analytics Officer of the Year: Dr. Mark Nasila
- CDO of the Year: Esther Munyi
- COO of the Year: Pradeep Maharaj
- CISO of the Year: Del Van Rooyen
- Digital Transformation Provider of the Year: Wipro

These distinguished honorees exemplified the summit's core values of technology, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, showcasing outstanding leadership and forward-thinking initiatives that have propelled the BFSI industry forward in Southern Africa.

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these trailblazers, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation for their relentless dedication to driving innovation and excellence in the banking and financial services sector. Their visionary leadership serves as a beacon of inspiration for the continued advancement of the industry, empowering the future of banking in Southern Africa and beyond.