* Africa's top bank to cut managers and executives
* Focus on cuts in Johannesburg and London
* Sees revenue pressure continuing in 2011
(Adds details and background)
JOHANNESBURG, Oct 5 (Reuters) - South Africa's Standard Bank said it is likely to cut jobs, with an emphasis on managers and executives in Johannesburg and London, as it looks to cut costs due to lower revenue.
Africa's largest bank by assets said in an e-mailed statement on Tuesday that revenue pressure would "probably continue" during 2011 and that it was looking to cut staff in "head office environments".
Banks in Africa's largest economy have struggled as high unemployment and household debt levels have blunted demand for loans and hurt corporate spending.
Standard Bank reported a 9 percent rise in first-half profit in August, helped by a decline in bad loans. However, net interest income and non-lending revenue -- the two most important earnings measures for a commercial bank -- both declined.
The bank said in the statement it was reviewing its costs, including staff costs.
"This review is likely to lead to retrenchments at all levels, with emphasis on managers and executives within the various 'head office' environments, particularly Johannesburg and London."
The bank did not say how much of its 50,000 staff it intended to cut.
Standard Bank has recently hired some high-profile bankers from competitors, including the head of Africa transaction banking at Standard Chartered.
Jacko Maree, Standard Bank's chief executive, told Reuters last month the lender was in "hiring mode" for skilled bankers, and aimed to double its Nigerian branch network this year.
Standard Bank, which is 20 percent owned by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, is looking to position itself as a full-service gateway to Africa.
It faces increased competition, however, as international banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered also target the trade flows between Asia and resource-rich Africa. (Reporting by David Dolan; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)