This week at the 2025 Standard Bank Top Women Conference, I had the opportunity to speak with Jenine Zachar, Head of Value Propositions & Client Experience, at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking.

I was quite curious about what she does in her role at Standard Bank.

“For me, it’s all about listening to our clients and understanding what they really need. When we get that right, we can build solutions that help them thrive, not just survive.”

She explained that banking today goes beyond products and transactions.

“Clients don’t just want a service. They want a relationship built on trust and care. Our job is to walk alongside them on their business journey,” she said.

On the topic of client experience, Jenine highlighted how important it is to focus on impact.

“Client experience is not about the small moments only. It’s about making sure every part of the journey is seamless, meaningful, and leaves clients feeling supported,” she told me.

I asked her what makes Standard Bank stand out in the business banking space, and she spoke passionately about the combination of innovation and people.

“We are constantly looking at how we can use technology to remove barriers for our clients. But at the heart of everything is our people. That human touch makes all the difference,” she said.

Reflecting on the conference, Jenine said: “What I’m taking away is that women are not only reshaping leadership, but also the way we do business. The stories we’ve heard here show that collaboration, inclusivity, and resilience are what will drive Africa’s future. It’s inspired me to push even harder for client experiences that are truly transformational.”

The discussions at the Top Women Conference made it clear that empowering women and strengthening client experiences are not just industry goals, but national priorities.

As Jenine Zachar emphasized, collaboration, inclusivity and resilience will shape the future of business in South Africa. By placing people at the center and building trust, leaders and institutions like Standard Bank can help unlock the growth that the country needs.