ASBN recently sat down with our new board advisor, Motherwell born Jim Clark. A global financial services expert, with over 30 years experience running teams and countries for leaders such as JP Morgan, Royal Bank of Scotland and closer to home in South Africa, State Street and Maitland, we look forward to the incredible value and financial knoweldge Jim will bring to our table, and of course, member companies too!


  1. How did you hear about ASBN? 
    I know one of the former advisors and current members of ASBN, Steven Craig of Craig International and was introduced to ASBN by him.

  2. What inspired you to become involved as a Board Advisor?
    The team’s passion for building a new international business network is infectious and as a Scot living in Africa, to me, it was a perfect fit.  I am also at a stage in my life where I hope my skills and experience can be used to benefit others, especially businesses that have the potential to create enormous impact.

  3. What roles do you think ASBN has in driving a prosperous ecosystem? I.e. how do we contribute toward a better society?
     Many commentators believe this is Africa’s time, the skills transfer from the mature northern markets like Scotland are ideally suited to guide, support and mentor businesses and people in countries like South Africa.  ASBN can match skills with needs, creating jobs, growing businesses and expanding economic wealth.

  4. What experience do you bring to ASBN? 
    I have managed large teams of staff across the globe in the highly complex and regulated world of financial services, and in particular investment management.  I’ve worked for large global companies with offices in Africa, as well as African companies with offices across the world, including Scotland.  I’ve worked in in fast growing companies as well as with the highest standards of corporate governance and business planning demanded by the leading corporates.

  5. As a Scot who now calls SA home, how would you compare the business landscape?
     In financial services, I’d say the standards in both South Africa and Scotland are comparable, both amongst the most competitive and competent markets in the world.  The general business landscape has more in common than it has differences, local South Africans don’t always appreciate how good services standards are.  Obviously, rules and regulations are stronger in Scotland but I’d say entrepreneurship is better in South Africa.  I’m very optimistic about the potential that both countries have through working together more and more