M&C Saatchi Abel, part of Africa’s biggest independent, locally owned group of creative companies The Up&Up Group, worked alongside Standard Bank Private and released the positioning campaign on May 7, an emotive execution that resonates deeply because it’s rooted in audience insights and purpose, she says. “We knew that we needed to be sharp with the campaign to position Standard Bank as the most desired Private Bank in Africa, building affinity with a youthful, affluent audience,” says Maja-Rasethaba.
“We boldly shifted our perspective on wealth for our new campaign. Our audience has evolved, and for many the idea of wealth has expanded. Today, wealth is defined as multifaceted encompassing physical wealth, mental wealth, social wealth, time wealth and of course financial wealth. Financial wealth is naturally very important and in a lot of ways fundamental – it is a trigger to unlock the other types of wealth. So the campaign tells the story of the types of experiences that a wealthy life enables and expresses it as ‘living wealthy’,” explains Maja-Rasethaba.
Susan Steward, Executive Head of Marketing for Standard Bank Personal and Private banking says the campaign’s positioning is supported by the bank’s product and service offering. “The campaign, which speaks to helping clients grow wealthier every day in every way, is supported by our extensive network of bankers and advisers providing expert guidance, as well as by our diverse range of solutions and services. Standard Bank Private’s suite of products and services are designed to help our clients maximise their financial potential, and our lifestyle rewards are crafted to enhance their experiences. The campaign is authentic and deliberate.”
Keno Smith, Head of Brand & Marketing at Standard Bank Private concurs, saying the bank focuses on its clients’ wealth journeys and aspirations. “At Standard Bank Private our focus is on growing our clients' wealth. Our clients have big dreams, ambitions, and goals, and we're here to accelerate their growth from where they are today to where they want to be tomorrow. We’re passionate about supporting our clients' financial journeys and understand that success is about more than just financial, it’s about who they want to become, what they want to achieve, and where they want to take their ambitions."
M&C Saatchi Abel Executive Creative Director Verona Meyer says the agency wanted to tell a human story, one that is relatable and emotive. “It needed to be authentic. The advertisement zooms into people’s most intimate moments as they celebrate the many benefits and joys of a wealthy life. We used the classic earworm ‘Favourite Things’ to subtly express that a wealthy life is one that’s filled with all your favourite things as well as having the time to experience that life with the people that mean the most to you."
Meyer explains that cementing Standard Bank’s position as the undisputed leader in the category, and to increase its client base, requires a strong, trust-based relationship between the bank and the agency “Our relationship is underpinned by a deep sense of trust, shared ambition and mutual respect. This underpins every brief. We’re not just executing campaigns — we’re building together, challenging each other, and staying closely aligned on the ‘why’ behind the work. That level of openness creates space for bold ideas, sharp execution, and ultimately, work that resonates deeply because it’s rooted in real insight and purpose,” she says.
The campaign comprises a 45-second television commercial, three 20-second customer value proposition-led TV commercials, three digital videos, a digital and social media campaign, out-of-home and digital out-of-home elements, and radio advertising.
