Absa scores double awards with emeafinance

For the second year running, Absa was named as the "Best Local Bank" in South Africa by emeafinance. In addition, the Group's investment banking division, Absa Capital, was also named among the winners. Its local Debt Capital Markets* (DCM) team was recognised as "Best Debt House".

"We are delighted to have received these two awards. Absa constantly innovates and tailors solutions that are aligned to the rapidly evolving needs and requirements of our customers. Our success in this regard has contributed to the Group being recognised as the Best Local Bank in the country by emeafinance magazine," said Maria Ramos, Absa's group chief executive.

The top team

Absa Capital's DCM team's latest award follows hot on the heels of their recent success in the Bloomberg 2010 Underwriter Rakings league table. Here the team was also ranked as being tops within the local debt markets environment.

"The DCM team has had an incredibly successful year, winning several mandates and acting as sole lead arranger in the majority of issuances they have arranged," stated Ramos.

She added: "This is further confirmation of the value derived from bringing together the local and global expertise of Absa Capital and Barclays Capital, for the benefit of African corporates."

Africa's banks recognised

Several other banks within the Barclays Group were also recognised by emeafinance. These include Barclays Bank of Botswana, Barclays Bank Seychelles and Barclays Bank Zambia which all received Best Bank Awards while Barclays Bank of Ghana, Barclays Bank Kenya and Barclays Bank Mauritius won Best Foreign Bank awards in their respective countries.

Presented annually, these awards are currently in their third year.