Barclays International Banking has become the first Patron Member of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK Ltd.
As the first Patron Member, Barclays will work with the South African Chamber of Commerce UK on promoting commerce into and out of South Africa and supporting Barclays clients resident in South Africa seeking overseas financial solutions and those looking for wider wealth advisory support around relocation or financial emigration from South Africa to the UK.
From 16th – 25th May 2022, Barclays International Banking will be holding a series of in-person events in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, supported by the SA Chamber UK.
The events will see Barclays’ specialists come together to give their views on the fast-escalating global events and their potential significance for wealth management.
Barclays’ behavioural finance expert will offer tips on how to avoid making knee-jerk financial reactions in volatile conditions. Those interested in attending can register via the Barclays International Banking website.
The South African Chamber of Commerce is a conduit for trade and investment into and out of South Africa and through its SA regional Chapters, the SA Chamber creates a forum and meeting point for businesses who have an interest in developing local and international business activities.
The symbiotic partnership between Barclays and the South African Chamber of Commerce will add value to the members of the SA Chamber through its own regional and international networks and the Barclays International Banking proposition.
Barclays has over a century of history of serving clients on the continent and furthermore, has an extensive track record as one of the world’s oldest financial institutions, having been around for over 330 years.
In Africa, Barclays is fully operational across Private, Investment and Corporate Banking and is focused particularly on Sub-Saharan Africa. It has a state of the art office in Johannesburg with an experienced team of bankers as well as over 75 staff globally that have deep ‘Africa experience’ and bring the full ‘Power of One Barclays’ to clients - connecting them to the broader Barclays’ offering and unlocking the full capabilities across the group.
Sharon Constançon, Chairman of the SA Chamber, commented: “Barclays and the South African Chamber of Commerce have a long standing relationship and we are delighted that Barclays Private Bank has become our first Patron Member. Together we will be able to provide our members with a variety of solutions to meet their very individual needs and make a positive impact on South African trade.”
“It is through these quality members that the SA Chamber are able to provide business solutions at so many levels to our members, from sourcing ideas, to finding markets, to supporting businesses to export for the first time, and in this case, providing a solution to international banking needs.”
Amol Prabhu, Country CEO: South Africa and Africa Market Head, Barclays Private Bank added: “We are pleased to have become the South African Chamber of Commerce’s first Patron member and look forward to working with the members of the Chamber to further develop strong UK and South African links. In addition to our multi-business presence in South Africa, this patronage is yet another example of Barclays’ commitment to South Africa as a key market.”
As a result of Barclays’ history, UK headquarters and global reach, many South African clients have ‘an emotional connection’ with the Barclays brand having held their first bank account with Barclays or some having even benefitted from a Barclays’ scholarship to the UK. As an independent, stable, financial partner with a strong South Africa / Africa - UK corridor, Barclays aims to support clients in every part of their journey.”
Melanie Aimer, Head of International Banking, Barclays Private Bank, said: “Barclays International Banking has a strong presence in South Africa and connects individuals with local market expertise and a financial network that spans the world. I’m delighted that as the South African Chamber of Commerce’s first Patron member we will be able to work with their leadership to bolster the positive impact they are having in South Africa and support members’ core financial needs across the South African - UK corridor.”
About South African Chamber of Commerce UK Limited
The South African Chamber of Commerce UK Limited, is a UK based not for profit organisation that promotes global trade and investment for South Africa with a direct focus on the trade between the UK and SA and into Africa. As a Chamber we support South Africans trading from and into South Africa, relocating to the UK, finding markets or sourcing investment.
We provide a global community for South Africans reaching into many continents through local UK regional Chapter communities, SA based regional Chapters and links to other SA Chambers of Commerce internationally, complemented by networks and links developed by the SA Chamber in the UK.
Being relevant at many community levels we allow for face to face networking at a local level in the UK, South Africa and in many other geographic locations.”
About Barclays
Barclays is a British universal bank. We are diversified by business, by different types of customers and clients, and by geography. Our businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by our service company which provides technology, operations and functional services across the Group. For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.barclays.com
Contact details:
South Africa Chamber of Commerce UK Limited:
Annette Christie, Head of Administration achristie@sachamber.co.uk
Barclays Private Bank:
Melanie Hunt, Media Relations Melanie.hunt@barclays.com