What’s Next — Bill Blackie shares valuable insights from Standard Bank’s Africa Unlocked Conference

In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Bill Blackie discusses key insights from the Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking Africa Unlocked Conference.

Blackie is the CEO of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group and boasts over 25 years of experience in the industry.

During this time he has held multiple key positions at Standard Bank, including Corporate Finance Specialist, Head of Corporate Finance, and Head of Investment Banking.

In 2022, he was promoted to his current role, where he is tasked with ensuring Standard Bank’s commercial clients get the best banking experience possible.

Blackie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rhodes University and an MBA from the University of Cape Town.

The interview

In the interview, Blackie explains the key focus points of the recent Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking Africa Unlocked Conference.

He reveals the biggest highlights from the conference and the insights he has gained.

Blackie then unpacks the major financial opportunities that exist for African businesses in the modern economy, including the potential that renewable energy provides.

He concludes the interview by discussing how intra-Africa trade benefits the entire continent and how Standard Bank encourages this practice.