About James

James has created, grown and led top-quality banking franchises in major and emerging markets around the globe. He is currently the CEO and Executive Director of AfrAsia Bank Limited, a regional corporate and private bank based in Mauritius. Co-founded as a start-up and lead on behalf of the largest conglomerate, GML in Mauritius, it is an early leader to connect Africa-Asia trade and investment corridor. The African Lions meet the Asian Tigers in Mauritius.

In just four years and despite the global crisis, AfrAsia has grown rapidly establishing operations and alliances in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, India, Singapore and Zimbabwe.

award-winning

The bank and Mr. Benoit have won numerous recent awards including:

• Most Innovative Bank Mauritius 2008 from World Finance Magazine UK
• Best Private Bank in Mauritius 2011 from Euromoney Magazine
• Best Local Private Bank 2012 from Euromoney
• Short listed Top 5 Finalist 2011 and 2012 for Best African Bank CEO from African Banker Magazine
• Club speaking champion 2010, Financial Toastmasters

The bank's market caps up 10x adding private equity firms from SA and Singapore, now owning 20% of the Bank. French development finance institution, Agence Francaise de Developpement, through its private sector arm, PROPARCO has taken a 10% stake in the Bank.

James was previously a globally mobile management executive with HSBC Group in China, Philippines, Hong Kong, Middle East, Canada and Mauritius in which he has pioneered, implemented and exponentially grown leading consumer banking, wealth management, credit cards and corporate banking businesses.

James is also a Chartered Financial Analyst and current President of the local Chapter of the CFA Institute which has won global CFA awards:

• Director of Mauritius Institute of Directors
• Member and Director of Young Presidents Organization.

specialties

Public-Speaking, Board Advisory, Corporate Finance, Investing, money migration from West to East and South-South.