Standard Bank has appointed Sameera Areff as head of Standard Bank of South Africa’s Isle of Man branch.
Sameera has moved to the island with her family from Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Isle of Man is an important centre for Standard Bank’s wealth international division, but it is also home to a branch of the Bank’s South African business.
Sameera and her team work with colleagues in South Africa to manage foreign currency funding for the bank and its African operations, as well as facilitating the funding needs of Standard Bank Group clients.
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Sameera said: ‘The Isle of Man is important to Standard Bank of South Africa as it provides the bank with a well-regulated and globally recognised jurisdiction, together with the capability to access international funding and placement markets. The branch is able to operate with main international currencies, with the US dollar as its base currency.’
On moving to the Isle of Man, Sameera said: ‘South Africa will always be home but we did want to experience life in another country. When the opportunity came, I didn’t need much convincing as I had been travelling to the island for the last 15 years on business. Living near the sea was always a desire of mine and now that I do, it is unbelievable!
‘There are huge cultural and economic differences between South Africa and the Isle of Man and I’m so impressed by the quality of service, infrastructure and the respect people have for the law and other citizens.
‘The island is such a great place, with a good system that promotes economic participation for those who want to do something for themselves.
‘The hardest part of moving to another country is settling in. My family has embraced the change thanks to a great support network of friends and our fantastic relocation team. The people have been friendly and courteous and always talk about how we were barmy to leave behind the sunshine of South Africa. The island offers lots to make up for that though and I have heard of the Manx saying that a rainy day is never a wasted day - hopefully my view will remain the same after living through our first winter on the island.’
Describing herself as a ‘foodie and baker at heart’, Sameera has been enjoying discovering the island’s many coffee shops and restaurants since she arrived and is looking forward to a wonderful festive season and to immerse herself in the island’s great heritage and beauty.