24 June 2005
	SA's Top 20 Companies 17 STANDARD BANK Total score: 55,5 Historic score: 23,2 FM's score: 77

South Africa's largest banking group had a great year because of buoyant consumer spending. This year also looks good - racing ahead in market share, 40% growth in the mortgage book in the year to March, total assets up by 28% - far ahead of the other large banks. Standard's consolidated brand has proved to be a winner, and an innovative empowerment deal gives substantial equity to its senior staff. But Standard will have to watch out for the Barclays-controlled Absa.