First Rand brands scoop global awards

Both FNB Namibia and RMB Namibia, operating under the FirstRand Namibia group, have received prestigious international recognition, RMB, the group's corporate and investment banking arm, was named among the World's Best Sub-Custodian Banks for 2026, while FNB, the group's commercial banking brand, was awarded Best SME Bank in Namibia.

RMB Namibia recognised for custody services

RMB Namibia has been awarded the title of World's Best Sub-Custodian Banks for 2026 by Global Finance, as part of the publication's 24th annual Best Sub-Custodian Bank Awards. The awards benchmark performance across 83 countries and territories, drawing on market research, industry insights and client feedback gathered throughout 2025.

Institutions were assessed on client service, operational excellence, technological capability, post-settlement efficiency and local market expertise.

RMB Namibia chief executive Daniel Motinga said the recognition reflected the strength of the bank's people, systems and commitment to excellence. He said clients relied on the bank for precision, trust and consistency in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Motinga said the award also spoke to the depth of capability RMB had built across Southern Africa, reinforcing its ambition to keep raising standards in custody services for institutional investors.

FNB Namibia honoured for SME support

FNB Namibia has been named Best SME Bank in Namibia at the Global Banking & Finance Awards, recognising its leadership in SME banking, financial inclusion and innovation. The award follows FNB's recent recognition as Africa's Best SME Bank on the continent.

FNB Namibia serves SMEs across all 14 regions, holding an estimated 35-40% share of the country's SME banking market, a footprint that has made it the country's leading SME banking partner, from first-time business owners to established enterprises expanding into new markets.

The bank has introduced unsecured lending products for first-time borrowers and has trained more than 1 500 entrepreneurs through business development and incubation programmes. Its SME Hub digital platform, along with mobile business toolkits and simplified funding solutions, forms part of a wider push to support business owners with expert guidance.

FNB Namibia has also focused on expanding opportunities for women-owned businesses, youth-owned enterprises and underserved communities.

Head of SME Banking at FNB Namibia, Nesdha de Jongh, said the award reflected the trust entrepreneurs placed in the bank every day. According to de Jongh, SMEs were at the heart of Namibia's economy, driving job creation and innovation, and that FNB aimed to be a long-term partner rather than simply a financial services provider.

de Jongh said the bank's strategy recognised that successful businesses needed more than access to funding, they needed practical tools, advice and solutions that evolved with their needs.