One of the first foreign banks in Switzerland, Lloyds TSB International Private Banking, celebrated its 90th anniversary at an exclusive gala dinner in Geneva on Wednesday night. The event was held at La Société Nautique de Genève and has raised funds for Smiling Children, a charity that helps under-privileged girls and women access education and find employment.

“We are excited about the new relationship forged this year with Lloyds International Private Banking”, says Yann Borgstedt, president of the Smiling Children Foundation and of the WomenChangeMakers program. “Like us, Lloyds is convinced that the increased participation of women at all levels of society will reap benefits to the women themselves and to their communities at large. Through our WomenChangeMakers’ project, we are collaborating with Lloyds and other partners to build a strong and unique support program for social entrepreneurs who favour women’s empowerment and progress around the world. Enhancing women’s living conditions and providing them with opportunities to take an active role in their societies is a key strategy for sustainable social and economic development.”

Piero Grandi concludes: “Lloyds Banking Group is one of the UK’s largest community investors. In 2008, it contributed over £100 million through sponsorship, cash donations, employee time and non-financial support.

At Lloyds TSB IPB, we are proud to follow the Group’s tradition, and are thrilled to support Smiling Children which transforms the lives of thousands of under-privileged girls and women around the world, helping them secure a better education and gainful employment.”