Standard Bank Namibia has appointed Karen van der Merwe as Executive Officer for Insurance and Asset Management, effective 1 July 2026.
Van der Merwe, who has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services sector, moves into the role after serving as Head of Personal and Private Banking at Standard Bank Namibia.
She has spent more than 20 years within the Standard Bank group, holding roles across retail, business, corporate and private banking.
In her new position, Van der Merwe will oversee Standard Bank Namibia’s Insurance and Asset Management portfolio, with responsibility for growing the business, developing financial products and improving access to insurance and investment solutions.
The bank said her appointment forms part of efforts to strengthen its leadership team while developing internal talent.
Standard Bank Namibia said it plans to increase the integration of insurance products into customers’ broader financial services while expanding access to financial protection and investment products.
Van der Merwe said her priorities would include strengthening client relationships and developing solutions aimed at helping customers protect and grow their finances.
“I look forward to working with our talented teams to deepen client relationships, deliver innovative solutions and help our customers build resilience, protect what matters most and achieve their long-term financial goals,” she said.
She added that the business sees an opportunity to broaden access to financial protection and investment solutions in Namibia.
Van der Merwe holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management from Lincoln University in the United Kingdom and has completed executive leadership and management programmes through Stellenbosch Business School, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business.
She has previously served as a trustee of the Standard Bank Namibia Retirement Fund and has held various governance and leadership responsibilities within the bank.
During her career, Van der Merwe has also received recognition within Standard Bank for client service and leadership, including Silver Club status and recognition as one of the group’s top Client Co-Ordinators across Africa within its Corporate and Investment Banking division.
