Sport is a display of passion, dedication and commitment; and it grips the imagination of people all over the world. The Global Sports Forum Barcelona is an annual event which places a spotlight on the role sport plays in our lives, and we’re the official partner to this important event.

Jacko Maree, Chief Executive, Standard Bank Group, writes: “It was an extremely tough year – but one in which our focus on developing markets stood us in good stead. Our profitability remained sound and our strong liquidity and capital position allowed us to continue to invest for growth. We achieved our highest-ever independent customer satisfaction ratings in South Africa.

We’ve helped develop the Woodmead development, which is found on the KwaZulu Natal north coast. Standard Bank’s Integrated Residential Development division is developing top quality housing schemes for those who fall in the low to middle income households.

This project will include a residential area for 3 500 families, schooling, work opportunities as well as a commercial and light industrial community. Families living in the Woodmead Development can choose from a range of tenure options from freehold, sectional title and rental.

While we continue to expand across the globe, Standard Bank Group’s (SBG) head office in Johannesburg, South Africa, has also experienced a growth spurt. This has got our property team working on a plan for the future.

Construction of a new facility in Rosebank, Johannesburg, has just got underway. The new office complex will house corporate offices, meeting rooms and a small retail space.

Brazil and Africa will be partnering in a quest for greater food and energy security. We’re headed for an agricultural revolution and we’re also working on the challenges brought about by climate change.

Read Standard Bank Group (SBG) economists Simon Freemantle and Jeremy Stevens’ report on the challenges facing both Brazil and Africa in ensuring greater global competitiveness in food and energy supply chains, suggesting the potential of bilateral collaboration for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

This report also focuses on Brazil’s agricultural drive in Africa.

The past decade will be remembered for many things, but the recession is the biggest downer of the “noughties” and the backlash from these tough times will be with us for some time to come.

But it’s not all doom and gloom - Standard Bank’s economists say this is the start of a fresh, promising and flourishing decade. At last the time has come – the recession is over and things are looking up.

Are you and your friends IT wizards? Do you have what it takes to try your hand at Standard Bank’s annual IT Challenge?

Every year we run the Standard Bank IT Challenge for students in South African varsities. This year’s challenge kicks off with heats on 13 March at several campuses around South Africa. The finals will take place at our head office in Johannesburg on 15 April 2010.

We use the latest technologies to develop and maintain systems that support Standard Bank Group’s (SBG) global business. So do you have what it takes?

How do you get to do outdoor activities and raise money for children in need without leaving the office? Standard Bank Group’s Isle of Man and Jersey offices have the answer and it lies in one of the trendiest gadgets: The Wii Fit.

This is what went down

Wanting to contribute to the BBC’s “Children in Need Appeal" was the catalyst for this adventure. The team’s aim was to raise funds to help disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

If you’re a South African art lover then you’ll be pleased to know that the Standard Bank art gallery is exhibiting Ephraim Ngatane’s work – Soweto’s Symphony until 13 March 2010.

It has been said that this artist has put his thumbprint on the history of South African art. Although this promising artist’s skills were taken from us prematurely, his incredible portrayal of life in Soweto during the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70 will live on for many years to come. His amazing ability to conveyed emotion and depth with every sweep of his paintbrush is what makes this exhibition such a special treat.