Standard Chartered Wholesale Banking builds on over 150 years of banking experience in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In fact, we’re the only international bank with over 90 per cent profits generated from these areas.
Our excellent local knowledge of attractive growing markets around the world consistently places us in the top three providers for our clients’ wholesale banking needs. Known as ‘The banker’s bank’, we are recognised for our unmatched on-the-ground expertise and relationship-focused approach to business.
Did you know?
- Over 60 nationalities are represented among our top 500 senior leaders
- We’re the only international bank with over 90 per cent profits from Asia, Africa, and the Middle-East
- We’re the only international bank with a long unbroken banking history in India and China
- We’re the largest international bank in India in terms of branch network and profits
- We’re the only bank in the Falkland Islands
- We’re one of three note issuing banks in Hong Kong
The Standard Chartered Group: background
The Standard Chartered Group was formed in 1969 through a merger of two banks: The Standard Bank of British South Africa founded in 1863, and the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, founded in 1853.
This friendly merger allowed both banks to capitalise on the expansion of trade caused by the increased movement of goods from Europe to the East and Africa.
In 1986 a hostile takeover bid was made for the Group by Lloyds Bank of the United Kingdom. When the bid was defeated, Standard Chartered entered a period of change. Provisions had to be made against third world debt exposure and loans to corporations and entrepreneurs who could not meet their commitments. Standard Chartered began a series of divestments notably in the United States and South Africa, and also entered into a number of asset sales.
Since the early 90s, Standard Chartered has focused on developing its strong franchises in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, using its operations in the United Kingdom and North America to provide customers with a bridge between these markets. We have also focused on consumer, corporate and institutional banking, as well as the provision of treasury services – areas in which the Group has particular strength and expertise.
In the new millennium we acquired Grindlays Bank from the ANZ Group and the Chase Consumer Banking operations in Hong Kong in 2000.
Since 2005, we have achieved several milestones with a number of strategic alliances and acquisitions that will extend our client and geographic reach and enhance our capabilities. Some of them include A Brain, American Express Bank, Cazenove Asia, Harrison Lovegrove and Pembroke.