Standard Bank Fiduciary Specialists win Citywealth Powerwomen Awards
We’re proud to announce that two members of the International Fiduciary Services team, Neha Bissonauth-Ballah and Medhah Dwarka have taken top honours in the prestigious 2026 Citywealth Powerwomen Awards. These awards, which celebrate the achievements of women in wealth structuring, shine a spotlight on individuals who exercise positive social influence and drive meaningful change in the industry.
Neha Bissonauth-Ballah, a Senior Trust Relationship Manager at Standard Bank’s trust company in Mauritius, has won the Silver award in the ‘Woman of the Year – Mentor of the Year’ category. This award honours women in positions of authority who use their influence intentionally to help others advance, while providing advice, feedback, and coaching.
Commenting on her win, Neha said, “Mentoring has always been a passion of mine, so I am thrilled to have received this award. I am grateful to Standard Bank International Fiduciary Services for giving me the opportunity to make a positive impact on the careers of women in our industry, and to Citywealth for recognising the importance of mentorship.”
With a degree in Finance and a Chartered Accountant qualification (ICAEW), Neha has built a reputation over her 10-year career for technical excellence, diligence, and empowering leadership. Since joining Standard Bank in 2021, Neha has thrived as a Trust Relationship Manager and was promoted to Senior Trust Relationship Manager last year, leading a team servicing Mauritius structure. Neha manages a team with a portfolio of around 100 clients and continues to mentor and develop her team members, ensuring high standards of service and delivery.
Neha’s success is underpinned by a personal philosophy: to lift others as she climbs. A committed mentor, Neha fosters an environment of empowerment and pride in her team, helping individuals to realise their potential. She is also passionately involved in ESG and gender equality initiatives.
Medhah Dwarka, also a Senior Trust Relationship Manager at Standard Bank’s trust company in Mauritius, won Bronze in the ‘Woman of the Year – Career Initiative’ category, which recognises women who have demonstrated the ability to seek opportunities, be resourceful, think ahead, and who have taken proactive steps in their careers to achieve success.
Expressing her delight at the accolade, Medhah said, “Being recognised in this category is a real honour, and I would like to thank my colleagues at Standard Bank International Fiduciary Services for supporting me on this journey. Thanks also to Citywealth, who continue to champion women in the wealth sector and inspire us to keep striving for excellence. I hope this recognition encourages more women to step forward with confidence and pursue the opportunities they truly deserve.”
A Chartered Certified Accountant with degrees in Finance and International Business Law, Medhah’s 15-year career has been defined by initiative, integrity, and insight. She has led a multi-jurisdictional outsourcing team across major financial centres, implemented new processes, and spearheaded improvements in policy and procedural frameworks. In her current role, Medhah established and leads a desk-extension outsourcing team that fosters close collaboration between jurisdictions, to enable strong client relationships and provide support for their offshore structures.
Medhah’s leadership goes beyond technical expertise – she is also passionate about championing women in leadership. Her goal is to break down barriers, so that organisations can harness the unique perspectives and contributions that women bring to the table.
“Both Neha and Medhah embody the values of Standard Bank, and I am delighted that they have been recognised with these awards,” says Jaco van Jaarsveld, Head of International Fiduciary Services, Mauritius. “These two remarkable women have demonstrated what it means to lead by example. Their dedication, strategic impact, and commitment to empowering others serve as an inspiration for their colleagues and the wider financial services community, and we congratulate them on their achievements.”
With over 100 years of experience in establishing and administering complex fiduciary structures, Standard Bank combines the strength and depth of Africa’s largest bank by assets with the flexibility of a boutique, award-winning international fiduciary services business, offering private client, family office and corporate fiduciary solutions.
To learn more about our International Fiduciary Services offering, click here.