The Seychelles archipelago — 115 islands nestling off the east coast of Africa — boasts some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, flora and fauna. The main attraction for African financial services group Absa, however, was the republic’s status as a world-class financial centre. Absa Bank (Seychelles) forms a crucial link in the group’s coverage of the African continent, with a presence in 12 countries. Absa Bank acts as an agent of positive change at community and continental levels. It makes big promises — and delivers on them by creating meaningful opportunities. Absa was one of the first Seychelles banks to introduce digital services, with a robust and convenient platform. The bank has deep local roots and a profound understanding of its citizens’ needs. It partners with Seychelles organisations to help beneficial programmes, offering tools and sponsorship for promising projects. As a Strategic Partner Associate of the World Economic Forum, Absa is a regular participant at the annual meeting in Davos. It has used the platform to call for the adoption of stakeholder capitalism, and encourages corporations to act as “trustees of society”. Absa Bank pledges the courage and passion needed to shape a better society, and drives innovation in pursuit of solutions to pressing global challenges. Its stakeholder relationships are built on trust, and backed by environmental accountability and inter-generational sustainability. The CFI.co judging panel is impressed, and presents Absa Bank with the 2020 award for Most Responsible Bank (Seychelles).