STANDARD Bank Offshore has been named Best International Bank for the third year in a row.

The bank picked up the award at the annual International Fund and Product Awards which are organised by the publication Professional Advisor.

Chris Sweeney, Standard Bank's chief executive of personal and business banking international, and John Hall, the head of IFA distribution, collected the award at a ceremony last night.

John Coyle, the chief executive officer of Standard Bank Isle of Man, said: "We are very proud to have been named Best International Bank for a second time in these highly prestigious industry awards. 

"Being shortlisted in three categories is a reflection of our excellent product portfolio and the expertise of our people who continue to deliver outstanding service."

Standard Bank Offshore also received a highly commended in the Best International Structured Product category and was shortlisted in the best international sales team (IFA).

John continued: "Receiving a highly commended in the International Structured Products category is also particularly pleasing because we have worked hard to provide products that are appealing to IFAs and their clients.

"These accolades are a very credible endorsement of the high standards we strive for within our business and go a long way in assisting us to raise our profile in the core markets in which we operate."

The International Fund and Product Awards are the only awards that recognise the achievements of the offshore financial services industry and the financial products and services that they distribute through IFAs internationally.

The judging panel looked for the following attributes in winners - commitment to target market, appropriateness of product range, use of technology and product innovation and levels of service and support to distributors.