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IMRAAN NOORBHAI

mraan Noorbhai, the Head of Personal and Finance for Retail Banking and later Executive Head an immersion in Kenya, where he was inspired by
Private Banking for Standard Bank in KwaZulu- of Finance for Retail and Business Banking, Client the words of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of
Natal, has a diverse background in finance and Coverage South Africa. Kenya: “Africa is blessed with problems, and we
Ibanking. He began his educational journey at have an opportunity to turn those problems into
In 2010, Imraan considered moving to a more
the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he studied solutions.” For Imraan, this meant viewing every
business-oriented role. Around this time, Lincoln
accounting. After completing honours, Imraan challenge as an opportunity for prosperity.
Mali, one of Standard Bank’s leaders, offered him
started his articles at a medium-sized firm called
a position as Head of Retail Banking in KwaZulu- GENERATE MIRACLES
Desai Jadwat Incorporated. “It was there that I
Natal. Over the course of 14 years, Imraan has held
really learned to be an entrepreneur,” he recalls.
multiple senior roles at Standard Bank, including Reflecting on the challenges faced in KwaZulu-
Following his articles, Imraan earned his Associate Provincial Head of KwaZulu-Natal, Head of Retail Natal, a province that has seen its share of adversity,
General Accounting certification from SAICA, and Business Banking, and now Head of Personal Imraan attributes the success of his team to resilience
along-side his professional accounting certification. and Private Banking. His journey through various and empowerment which is unparalleled in terms
His first job after qualifying as an accountant was business units and customer propositions within of how they can adapt to the changing environ-
with Competition Motors, which was a challenge Standard Bank has been marked by numerous ment and produce exceptional results. Imraan
for him as it was his first experience of running a accomplishments. believes in empowering his teams by providing
business. “Within two months of being employed, them with the tools and clearing obstacles from
I was seconded to run the entire Johannesburg Another of Imraan’s key achievements was spear- their path. “If we empower our teams, they will
operation,” Imraan explains. As general manager at heading the launch of Sharia banking at Standard generate miracles,” he says.
Competition Motors Johannesburg, the company’s Bank in 2014. Today, the bank proudly holds the
largest operation at that time, he was responsible second-largest market share of Sharia banking in When discussing his inspirations, Imraan mentions
for overseeing finance, operations, and some of South Africa. “It was one of those moments that I both religious and corporate influences. “On a
the technical aspects of the business. “It was a always treasure,” he says, reflecting on the vision, personal level, my major inspiration is the Prophet
huge learning curve, but a wonderful experience,” collaboration, and energy that went into making Muhammad (SAW) who is the living example of
he reflects, describing his experience of managing the proposition a success. how one should live one’s life in terms of values
complex operations. and principles,” he says.
FULFILLING ASPIRATIONS
In the corporate sphere, he looks up to the “giants
Imraan’s career continued to evolve as he moved
Having worked at Standard Bank for 27 years, Imraan of Standard Bank,” past and present, such as Lincoln
to the machinery and equipment division of the
aligns closely with the organisation’s purpose:
company, which focused on the importation of large Mali, Peter Schlebusch, Funeka Montjane, and Sim
“Africa is our home; we drive our growth.” He believes
motor manufacturing components. After spending Tshabalala. “These are the great leaders on whose
deeply in improving lives and fulfilling aspirations
a year and a half gaining exposure to the import- shoulders we stand today,” he reflects, adding that
through banking, both for customers and staff. “My
export industry and the intricacies of motor they have helped shape an organisation that has
purpose is about seeing my customers transition
manufacturing, he saw an opportunity to pivot stood strong for over 160 years and continue to
through various challenges as they develop their
into financial services. shape the future.
businesses to new heights,” he explains. “It is also
about seeing my staff excel from cradle to grave in Imraan’s vision for KwaZulu-Natal and its people is
TRANSITION TO STANDARD BANK
terms of their career trajectory within the bank.” one of prosperity and growth. “We see ourselves as
In search of new opportunities Imraan joined a gateway to Africa and to the world,” he declares.
Standard Bank as Head of Measurement, building Imraan’s leadership is defined by empathy, He believes the province’s rich diversity, natural
balanced scorecards and productivity tools to humanity, justice, and honesty. He believes these beauty and strategic location has a lot more to offer
manage and measure banker performance across principles are crucial in leading teams effectively. and can be harnessed so that everyone benefits.
Retail and Business Banking. “The fundamental departure point that is lacking
in many organisations, locally and globally, is how “I believe in leading with humanity, justice, and
Imraan’s progress at Standard Bank was swift, we lead our teams with empathy and respect,” he empathy,” he concludes. “And if we adopt this
within three years he was promoted to head of asserts. This belief was further solidified during approach, business results will follow.”
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