Sri Lanka is showing signs of economic recovery after facing significant challenges. The country’s exports have seen a steady recovery, with a 7% increase in merchandise exports and a 10% increase in services exports. Worker remittances have also rebounded strongly, with a 20% increase from the previous year. Tourism has seen a strong bounce back, with a 14% growth in monthly arrivals and earnings. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is also showing early signs of returning interest, especially in sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and logistics.

The CEO of Standard Chartered Sri Lanka, P.D. Singh, believes that the future holds significant opportunity for the bank, with its international footprint and legacy presence in the country. The bank is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s reintegration into global markets and is uniquely positioned to play a catalytic role in this process. Standard Chartered has been a longstanding market leader in servicing financial institutions and the Government of Sri Lanka, and the bank aims to continue this support, helping Sri Lanka access global capital markets with confidence.

The bank is also committed to expanding its Financial Markets (FM) franchise in Sri Lanka, leveraging its global expertise in emerging market economies. The goal is to add value to clients as they drive the country’s economic growth, with a focus on digitization and structured solutions. Standard Chartered’s transaction banking aims to power businesses of the real economy with world-class cash management, trade finance, and working capital solutions.

In terms of bilateral opportunities between India and Sri Lanka, there are significant avenues for collaboration in manufacturing, services, renewable energy, and regional supply chains. India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $5 billion annually. Strengthening trade linkages through improved logistics and customs cooperation can further integrate supply chains. Sri Lanka offers a strategic location with access to major shipping lanes, making it an ideal partner for regional manufacturing hubs and value chain integration.

Standard Chartered can help Sri Lanka build a stronger and more resilient FDI pipeline by leveraging its global network and facilitating sustainable, long-term investment. The bank works closely with both the public and private sectors to connect strategic investors to priority sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, and digital services. Consistency and credibility are key to investor confidence, and the bank is encouraged by the government’s direction in implementing reforms.

To ensure long-term stability and growth, Sri Lanka must focus on enablers such as infrastructure development, bilateral trade treaties, strengthened PPP frameworks, and digitization and innovation. The country must also address potential stumbling blocks, including external headwinds and the need for continued investment and vigilance. Standard Chartered is committed to being a long-term partner in Sri Lanka’s growth story, helping the country not just recover but re-emerge stronger and more connected on the global stage.

Standard Chartered Singapore has reported a 13.7% increase in its net profit for the first half of 2025, according to a recent statement. The bank’s strong performance was driven by a combination of factors, including growth in its core business segments, improved operating efficiency, and a favorable economic environment.

The bank’s net profit for the first six months of 2025 stood at $742 million, up from $652 million in the same period last year. The increase in net profit was largely driven by a 10% growth in operating income, which rose to $2.1 billion. The bank’s operating income was boosted by strong growth in its corporate and commercial banking business, as well as its wealth management segment.

Standard Chartered Singapore’s corporate and commercial banking business saw a significant increase in income, driven by higher lending and transaction banking activity. The bank’s wealth management segment also performed well, with assets under management growing by 15% year-on-year. The bank’s consumer banking business also saw a modest increase in income, driven by growth in credit card and personal loan balances.

The bank’s strong performance was also driven by its efforts to improve operating efficiency. Standard Chartered Singapore has been implementing a number of initiatives aimed at reducing costs and improving productivity, including the use of digital technology to streamline processes and improve customer service. The bank’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 43.6% in the first half of 2025, down from 45.1% in the same period last year.

The bank’s CEO, Patrick Lee, commented that the bank’s strong performance in the first half of 2025 was a testament to the bank’s strategy and the hard work of its employees. He noted that the bank remains committed to delivering sustainable growth and improving its operating efficiency, and is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the Singapore market.

Overall, Standard Chartered Singapore’s strong performance in the first half of 2025 is a positive sign for the bank and its stakeholders. The bank’s ability to deliver growth in its core business segments, combined with its efforts to improve operating efficiency, position it well for long-term success. As the Singapore economy continues to grow and evolve, Standard Chartered Singapore is likely to remain a major player in the market, with a strong brand and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

A Zambian court has ruled in favor of a group of investors who purchased bonds linked to a Chinese property development. The court ordered Standard Chartered Bank to pay costs, but not compensation, to the investors. The bonds in question were sold by the bank to investors in Zambia, with the promise of high returns linked to the performance of a property development project in China.

The investors claimed that the bank had misrepresented the risks associated with the bonds and had failed to properly disclose the terms and conditions of the investment. They argued that the bank had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct, which had resulted in them suffering significant losses.

The court found that Standard Chartered Bank had indeed failed to properly disclose the risks associated with the bonds and had breached its contractual obligations to the investors. However, the court did not award compensation to the investors, instead ordering the bank to pay costs.

The ruling is a significant blow to Standard Chartered Bank, which had argued that it had done nothing wrong and that the investors had assumed the risks associated with the bonds. The bank had also argued that the investors had been properly informed about the terms and conditions of the investment and had made their own decisions to purchase the bonds.

The case highlights the risks associated with investing in complex financial products, particularly those linked to international investments. It also raises questions about the level of disclosure and transparency required by banks and financial institutions when selling such products to investors.

In recent years, there have been several cases of banks and financial institutions being sued by investors over the sale of complex financial products. These cases often involve allegations of misrepresentation, misleading conduct, and breach of contractual obligations.

The ruling in the Zambian court is likely to have implications for other cases involving similar allegations against banks and financial institutions. It highlights the importance of proper disclosure and transparency in the sale of financial products and the need for banks and financial institutions to ensure that investors are fully informed about the risks and terms associated with such products.

The case also raises questions about the regulation of financial markets and the protection of investors. It highlights the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure that banks and financial institutions are held accountable for their actions and that investors are protected from misleading and deceptive conduct.

The US labor market report for August showed a significant slowdown, with non-farm payrolls rising by only 22,000, well below the consensus estimate of 75,000. This represents a three-month average of just 29,000, a notable decline from previous months. The unemployment rate also rose to 4.3%, breaking above its 15-month range and reaching a level last seen in 2021 during the post-COVID recovery. The average weekly hours and year-over-year hourly earnings were also below expectations.

According to economists John Davies and Steve Englander of Standard Chartered, the labor market has shifted from “solid” to “soft” in less than six weeks. This change in the labor market has opened the door to a potential 50 basis point (bps) rate cut at the September Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. This is a more significant cut than the 25bps previously expected.

While the current Fed rate-cut pricing is at 28-29bps for September, it has not yet reflected the likelihood of a 50bps cut. The economists believe that preliminary revisions to employment data, due to be released next week, will support their call for a 50bps cut. They also suggest that the headline payrolls and unemployment data may not fully capture the extent of labor market softening due to distortions from the birth-death adjustment and the decline in the employment-population ratio.

The economists expect that after an initial 50bps cut, it may take time for the market to price in a slower subsequent pace of cuts. They doubt that the growth and inflation backdrop will allow for further easing beyond September. Overall, the August labor market report has increased the likelihood of a more significant rate cut at the September FOMC meeting, and the market is expected to adjust its expectations accordingly in the coming weeks.

The Wealth Briefing Asia report highlights recent movements in the wealth management industry, focusing on Bank of Singapore and Standard Chartered.

Bank of Singapore has appointed Tee Fong Ming as its new Head of Private Wealth, Singapore. Ming brings over 20 years of experience in the industry, having previously worked at UBS and Credit Suisse. This appointment is expected to strengthen the bank’s private wealth offerings in Singapore.

Standard Chartered, on the other hand, has announced the appointment of A”,-based wealth management expert, Christian Salas, as its new Head of Wealth Management, ASEAN and South Asia. Salas will be responsible for leading the bank’s wealth management business in the region, driving growth and expanding its client base.

Other notable movements in the industry include the appointment of Regina Lim as Head of Private Wealth, North Asia at Bank of Singapore. Lim has extensive experience in private banking, having worked at Julius Baer and UBS..her appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the bank’s private wealth capabilities in North Asia.

In addition, Standard Chartered has also appointed Jason Low as Head of Investment Strategy, Wealth Management. Low will be responsible for developing and implementing investment strategies for the bank’s wealth management clients. He brings over 15 years of experience in investment management, having previously worked at UBS and Merrill Lynch.

These appointments reflect the ongoing efforts of Bank of Singapore and Standard Chartered to strengthen their wealth management offerings and expand their presence in the region. The wealth management industry in Asia is highly competitive, and these moves demonstrate the banks’ commitment to attracting and retaining top talent to drive growth and deliver high-quality services to their clients.

The region’s growing wealth and increasing demand for sophisticated financial services have created opportunities for wealth management firms to expand their presence. Bank of Singapore and Standard Chartered are among the banks that are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, with their strong franchise, extensive network, and commitment to investing in top talent.

Overall, the appointments at Bank of Singapore and Standard Chartered are expected to have a positive impact on the wealth management industry in Asia, as they bring in experienced professionals who can help drive growth, innovation, and excellence in the region. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more movements and appointments, as firms seek to stay ahead of the competition and meet the changing needs of their clients.

The Standard Chartered Beyond Card, launched in November 2024, is a premium card offering various perks such as unlimited airport lounge access, complimentary limo transfers, and Business Class upgrades. It also provides the highest earn rates of any general spending card in Singapore, with up to 2 mpd on local spend and 4 mpd on overseas spend. The card comes with a welcome bonus of 100,000 miles for customers who spend at least S$20,000 within 90 days of approval, which has been extended till 30 September 2025.

The welcome offer is broken down into 60,000 miles for paying the S$1,635 annual fee and 40,000 miles for meeting the minimum spend requirement. This offer is available to both new and existing StanChart credit card customers. However, the high minimum spend requirement of S$20,000 may be a hurdle for some, and other cards may offer better returns for those who can meet the eligibility criteria.

The bonus miles will be credited within 60 working days of approval for the annual fee and within 60 working days after the 90-day spending period ends for the minimum spend. Qualifying spend excludes charitable donations, education expenses, government transactions, and utilities, among others. Cardholders must spend at least S$20,000 within 90 days of approval to qualify for the bonus miles.

The StanChart Beyond Card has a S$1,635 annual fee and a minimum income requirement of S$200,000 p.a. The earn rates and benefits depend on the cardholder’s status with the bank, with higher earn rates and more benefits available to Priority Banking and Priority Private customers. The card also offers a 360° Rewards Points program, which allows cardholders to transfer points to partner airlines and hotels, including Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.

Overall, the StanChart Beyond Card’s 100,000 miles welcome offer can help offset the high annual fee, but the minimum spend requirement may be a significant hurdle for some. It may be worth waiting to see if Standard Chartered lowers the minimum spend later this year. The card’s benefits and earn rates make it a competitive option for those who can meet the eligibility criteria and utilize the card’s features.

The conversion ratio for the 360° Rewards Points program is as follows:
– Tier 1 cards (StanChart Beyond, Journey, Visa Infinite, Priority Visa Infinite) enjoy a preferential conversion ratio of 25,000 : 10,000 and 34,500 : 10,000.
– Tier 2 cards have the same conversion ratio as Tier 1.
Points pool within each tier, but cannot be combined across tiers. Transfers cost S$27.25 each, regardless of the number of points transferred.

In conclusion, the StanChart Beyond Card’s welcome offer has been extended, but the high minimum spend requirement may be a barrier for some. The card’s benefits and earn rates make it a competitive option for those who can meet the eligibility criteria and utilize the card’s features. It is essential to carefully consider the card’s terms and conditions before applying.

Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN® have announced the winners of the inaugural “SC WIN Now & Next Challenge”, an initiative that celebrates and supports women-led startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program, launched in March 2025, attracted over 125 entries from women entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, with ten finalists selected to participate in the 11-week LiftHER Global Accelerator Programme.

The winners were awarded a total of HKD 1 million in prizes to accelerate their growth and ambitions. The Venture of the Year Award went to Lamia Sreya Rahman, founder of Vidi Labs (Seekr), for her groundbreaking work in developing a compact AI wearable device that captures visual data and delivers a curated audio feed in multiple languages. This device was developed in collaboration with the visually impaired community and addresses a critical need through innovative technology.

In addition to the Venture of the Year Award, four other entrepreneurs received category awards. The Global Growth Award was given to Tata Miyamoto and Vriko Kwok, co-founders of NOURWISH, in recognition of their international ambition. The Impact & ESG Excellence Award was awarded to Florence Chanzi, founder of AI Guided Limited, for her social impact and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence. The Best Innovation Award and the People’s Choice Award both went to Choi Pui Wah, founder of WomenX Biotech Limited, in recognition of her innovative approach and community support.

The “SC WIN Now & Next Challenge” is part of Standard Chartered’s Women’s International Network (SC WIN), which aims to support the growth and development of women-led businesses through tailored resources, mentorship, and exposure opportunities. The program demonstrates Standard Chartered’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting diversity and inclusion in the business community. By providing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the program helps women-led startups and SMEs to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the economy.

Standard Chartered and Ant International have announced a collaboration to introduce an AI-powered Treasury and FX management solution. The solution integrates Ant International’s Falcon Time-Series Transformer (TST) Model with Standard Chartered’s Aggregated Liquidity Engine (SCALE). This collaboration aims to lower FX costs and improve risk management for Ant International and its clients. The integration allows for seamless data exchange, enabling AI-driven FX forecasting in real-time and on a 24/7 basis.

The joint solution is part of Standard Chartered’s FX Automation Programme, which supports multi-currency bookings and international vendor settlements in real-time. The programme helps businesses mitigate costs and manage FX volatility across borders. With the integration of Falcon TST and SCALE, Standard Chartered can forecast Ant International’s FX exposures with over 90% accuracy, allowing the bank to manage FX risk more effectively and reduce clients’ hedging costs in real-time.

Madhu Menon, Global Head of SC PrismFX Sales at Standard Chartered, stated that the bank continues to invest in its platforms and adopt cutting-edge technology to support clients in managing their risks and exposures. Kelvin Li, General Manager of Platform Tech at Ant International, added that the collaboration sets the path for an innovative approach to managing and hedging FX risk and costs for Ant International and its clients globally.

Ant International’s Falcon TST Model is a big data model that predicts future data points by analyzing complex patterns in large historical datasets. The model forecasts Ant International’s cash flow and FX exposure on an hourly, daily, and weekly basis with more than 90% accuracy. Standard Chartered’s Aggregated Liquidity Engine (SCALE) is a flexible FX solution that supports corporates and financial institutions in pricing products or receiving payments in multiple currencies with guaranteed FX rates around the clock.

The collaboration demonstrates how AI is being applied to enhance services in Singapore’s financial sector. Both organizations are committed to developing new technologies to support businesses’ global transaction needs. As cross-border transactions continue to increase, the organizations will continue exploring solutions to enable more seamless and secure international business flows. The integration of AI-powered solutions is expected to reduce FX costs and improve risk management for businesses, making it an important step in the ongoing journey to leverage technology for next-generation cross-border payment solutions.

The Chennai North District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered Standard Chartered Bank to pay Rs 17 lakh as compensation to one of its staff members, L Dinesh Kumar, after a courier company lost a bounced cheque in transit. Dinesh, a senior analyst at the bank, had received a cheque from a third party that bounced due to insufficient funds. The bank sent the cheque to his address through DTDC Express, but it was lost in transit.

Despite the courier company initially admitting to the loss and agreeing to compensate, they later claimed that the cheque had been delivered and produced a signed proof of delivery. However, Dinesh alleged that the signature on the acknowledgement was forged. As a result, he faced a significant financial crisis and was unable to file a legal case against the drawer of the cheque.

The consumer commission dismissed the complaint against DTDC, stating that it was the bank’s responsibility to take action against the courier company for the alleged non-delivery. The commission held the bank liable for the failure to return the dishonored cheque to Dinesh and for the deficiency in banking service.

The commission directed the bank to pay the dishonored cheque amount of Rs 17 lakh as compensation for the deficiency in service, mental agony, pain, and suffering. Additionally, the bank was ordered to pay Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs. The commission’s decision highlights the bank’s responsibility to ensure that its customers’ cheques are handled properly and that they are not left to suffer due to the negligence of third-party service providers.

In this case, the bank’s failure to ensure that the cheque was delivered safely to Dinesh resulted in significant financial losses for him. The commission’s order serves as a reminder to banks to take responsibility for their actions and to ensure that their customers are protected from such losses. The case also underscores the importance of proper documentation and verification procedures to prevent fraudulent activities, such as the alleged forgery of the signature on the courier acknowledgement.

Standard Chartered Bank remains optimistic about equities in the next 6-12 months, but warns of potential short-term risks that could impact markets. The bank’s latest market outlook suggests that fundamentals and quantitative models continue to support equities, particularly in Asia ex-Japan markets, Japan, and Europe. However, it advises investors to rotate their exposure from US equities to Asia ex-Japan, viewing any US equity rallies as opportunities to rebalance their portfolios.

The bank also identifies opportunities in fixed income, specifically in emerging market local currency bonds and mid-maturity US dollar-denominated bonds. With credit spreads on corporate bonds narrowing, Standard Chartered prefers high-quality bonds over cash and recommends locking in yields for longer durations.

Despite the overall positive outlook, the bank notes that the Federal Reserve faces a balancing act in its policy decisions. With US job market data weakening and producer prices still elevated, markets are pricing in a potential rate cut in September. Standard Chartered believes that interest rates remain above the Fed’s estimated neutral policy, which biases the decision towards cutting rates.

The bank also comments on trade policy, highlighting the risks associated with US tariff actions, including higher-than-expected tariffs on India and the extension of the tariff pause on China. However, it notes that markets are becoming less reactive to tariff announcements compared to previous episodes.

The key assumption underpinning Standard Chartered’s expectation of a “soft landing” for the US economy is the likelihood of Fed rate cuts. However, persistent inflation pressures pose a significant risk to this outlook. Overall, the bank’s commentary suggests that investors should remain cautious in the short term, while maintaining a longer-term bullish outlook on equities.

In terms of investment strategy, Standard Chartered recommends maintaining Japan and Europe as core holdings, while rotating exposure from US equities to Asia ex-Japan markets. The bank also advises investors to take advantage of fixed income opportunities, particularly in emerging market local currency bonds and mid-maturity US dollar-denominated bonds. By doing so, investors can potentially mitigate short-term risks and position themselves for long-term growth.

Rudra Dalmia, the Global Head of Fixed Income Research at Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart), has announced his retirement. Dalmia has been a prominent figure in the financial industry, with a career spanning over two decades. During his tenure at StanChart, he played a crucial role in shaping the bank’s fixed income research strategy and was widely respected for his insights and analysis on global bond markets.

Under Dalmia’s leadership, StanChart’s fixed income research team became one of the most respected and sought-after in the industry. He was known for his ability to provide innovative and insightful research, which helped clients navigate complex market trends and make informed investment decisions. Dalmia’s expertise spanned across various asset classes, including government bonds, corporate bonds, and emerging market debt.

Dalmia’s retirement marks the end of an era for StanChart’s fixed income research team. He has been an integral part of the bank’s research franchise, and his departure will be felt by clients and colleagues alike. The bank has not yet announced a replacement for Dalmia, but it is expected to appoint a new head of fixed income research in due course.

Dalmia’s decision to retire comes at a time when the global bond market is facing significant challenges. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and shifting monetary policies have created a complex and volatile market environment. As a result, investors are increasingly seeking expert advice and research to help them navigate these challenges and identify opportunities.

Throughout his career, Dalmia has been recognized for his contributions to the financial industry. He has been ranked as one of the top fixed income researchers in various industry surveys and has spoken at numerous conferences and seminars. His retirement will be a loss for the industry, but his legacy will continue to be felt through the many researchers and analysts he has mentored and inspired during his career.

As the financial industry continues to evolve, the importance of high-quality research and analysis will only continue to grow. StanChart’s fixed income research team, under new leadership, will need to adapt to these changes and continue to provide innovative and insightful research to clients. Dalmia’s retirement marks a significant change for the team, but it also presents an opportunity for new leaders to emerge and shape the future of fixed income research at StanChart.

Standard Chartered has released its latest Sustainable Banking Report, which reveals a growing interest in transition investing among high net worth individuals. The report, titled “Transition investing: the next wealth frontier?”, is based on a survey of 1,600 individuals across eight markets, including Hong Kong, India, and the United Arab Emirates. The findings show that 87% of respondents are interested in transition investing, while 83% are interested in sustainable investing more broadly.

Transition investing refers to investing in companies that are supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, including those in high-carbon sectors that have credible plans to reduce their emissions. The report identifies the top transition themes of interest, including green hydrogen, low-emission fuels, and carbon capture and storage. Electric vehicles and carbon markets also feature prominently, with 44% and 42% of respondents expressing interest in these areas, respectively.

However, the report also highlights the challenges faced by investors in transition investing, including the perception of higher risks, lack of benchmarking, and concerns about low returns. Moreover, there is a significant gap in understanding, with only 15% of investors able to fully define the concept of transition investing.

To address this challenge, Standard Chartered has launched a Transition Investing Guide, which provides clear and practical guidance for evaluating transition-related funds. The guide aims to support clients in making informed investment decisions and empower them to contribute to a low-carbon future.

According to Samir Subberwal, Global Head of Wealth Solutions at Standard Chartered, the report demonstrates the strong interest in sustainable investing among affluent clients, and the need for education on transition investing. As a leading international wealth manager, Standard Chartered is committed to supporting its clients in their transition investing journey, providing them with the knowledge and tools they require to make a positive impact on the environment.

Overall, the report suggests that transition investing has the potential to become the next wealth frontier, with investors increasingly looking to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, it also highlights the need for greater education and support to address the challenges and complexities associated with this type of investing. By providing guidance and resources, Standard Chartered aims to empower its clients to make a positive impact on the environment while also generating returns on their investments.

Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters is taking a unique approach to work policies in the banking sector. Unlike many of his peers, such as JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, who are pushing for a return to traditional office schedules, Winters is embracing a flexible, hybrid work model. He believes that by giving employees the autonomy to manage their own time and schedules, they will be more productive and responsible. This approach has been successful for Standard Chartered, with the bank reporting a 48% jump in pre-tax profit in the second quarter of 2025.

Winters’ philosophy is centered around trust and employee autonomy. He believes that adults can have adult conversations and decide how to best manage their teams, without needing rigid office mandates. This approach has helped the bank retain talent, keep attrition low, and maintain a productive workforce. In contrast, many other banks, such as JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and HSBC, have tightened their office attendance requirements, with some CEOs criticizing remote work for slowing decision-making and inhibiting innovation.

Standard Chartered’s flexible policy has been in place since November 2020, and the bank has shown no signs of changing course, even as industry sentiment shifts. Winters cites strong business results, low attrition, and positive feedback from employees as evidence that the approach is working. He also dismisses concerns that remote work is corrosive to teamwork, arguing that with the right leadership, teams can remain collaborative and engaged, even in a hybrid work environment.

The bank’s approach is notable, given the trend towards stricter in-office requirements in many sectors, including tech and telecommunications. Some large employers have warned that ongoing remote work could put jobs at risk, but Standard Chartered is holding its ground. Winters’ commitment to flexibility and employee autonomy has positioned the bank as a leader in the industry, and its strong performance is a testament to the success of this approach.

Overall, Standard Chartered’s flexible work policy is a compelling case study in the value of empowering employees to strike their own balance. By trusting employees to manage their own time and schedules, the bank has created a positive and productive work environment, which has contributed to its strong business results. As the debate around the future of work continues,! Standard Chartered’s approach offers a unique perspective on the benefits of flexibility and employee autonomy in the workplace.

Standard Chartered has appointed Lisa Pollina as Vice Chairman, Americas, for both SC Ventures and the Corporate Investment Banking (CIB) division. Pollina will report to Alex Manson, CEO of SC Ventures, and will also work closely with Mandy DeFilippo, CEO for the U.S. and Americas. In her new role, Pollina will leverage her extensive experience and network to deepen partnerships, identify fundraising opportunities, and grow Standard Chartered’s presence in the region.

Pollina brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having advised on private equity and private credit investments at Ares Management and Alvarez & Marsal. She has also served as Vice Chairman for RBC Capital Markets and as Global FIG Financial Institutions executive at Bank of America Securities, where she worked with venture capital and private equity sponsors. Additionally, Pollina has experience in corporate governance, serving on the board of directors for Munich Re Americas and the energy company NESR.

Pollina’s appointment underlines Standard Chartered’s commitment to increasing cross-divisional collaboration and ambitious growth plans in the region. She will play a critical role in growing SC Ventures’ presence in the Americas, and will also work to originate and cultivate high-value relationships with key corporate and financial institution clients for CIB. Pollina will also serve on the SC Ventures Portfolio Management Committee and other SC Ventures forums, providing advisory guidance and expertise.

With an MBA from the Yale School of Management and experience as an instructor in corporate finance at the University of Chicago, Pollina is well-equipped to provide strategic guidance and leadership. Her appointment is a significant move for Standard Chartered, and demonstrates the bank’s commitment to growing its presence in the Americas and expanding its offerings in the region. Pollina’s experience and network will be invaluable in helping Standard Chartered achieve its growth plans, and her appointment is a testament to the bank’s commitment to attracting top talent and expertise.

Standard Chartered Bank has inducted the fifth cohort of women-led businesses into its Futuremakers Women in Tech program, which aims to equip female entrepreneurs with the tools, funding, and networks necessary to scale their technology-enabled ventures. The program, launched in 2020, has supported 74 businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, and education technology. A total of 21 enterprises have received seed funding amounting to US$210,000 to date.

Delivering the keynote address at the induction ceremony, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Matilda Asante-Asiedu, emphasized the significance of integrating women more fully into Ghana’s digital economy. She noted that while the nation has recorded significant progress in financial inclusion, active usage of these services, particularly among women and rural communities, remains low. This gap demands targeted initiatives such as Futuremakers, which provide not only access to capital but also the capacity to use it meaningfully.

The program combines business training, mentorship, and seed capital with a focus on tech-enabled and impact-driven businesses. The Ghana chapter is delivered in collaboration with the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), which leads recruitment, incubation, and technical assistance. Standard Chartered Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Albert Larweh Asante, reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, stating that “we do not just believe in inclusion, we invest in it.”

The 2025 cohort, comprising ten women-led businesses, joins an alumni network that spans multiple regions and industries. Beneficiaries gain access to a structured incubation process, capacity-building sessions, and a platform for regional visibility and investor engagement. The program responds to persistent structural barriers facing female entrepreneurs in Ghana, including access to finance, digital skills gaps, and regulatory hurdles.

The Futuremakers model adopts a holistic approach, offering end-to-end support tailored to the realities of women entrepreneurs operating in underserved or informal markets. Standard Chartered Bank has announced a renewed three-year investment in the program, aimed at deepening the scope and scaling the impact of the initiative. The bank will continue working closely with local and international partners to ensure that more women-led businesses in Ghana can leverage digital tools for growth and resilience.

The current cohort will undergo an intensive business acceleration process over the coming months, culminating in a final pitch competition. Selected finalists will receive additional seed funding and technical support to scale their solutions. The Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana encouraged stakeholders to commit to building a digital economy that works for everyone, not just by widening access, but by ensuring that access leads to value, transformation, and sustainable growth.

The Chennai North District Consumer Redressal Commission has directed a private bank, Standard Chartered, and a non-banking financial company (NBFC), Shaha Finlesase, to pay a total compensation of Rs 1.05 lakh to a customer who was scammed by them. The customer, M Ganesh Nagarajan, had availed a credit card facility with the bank in 2006 and had a due of Rs 44,780. The bank had offered to settle the amount for Rs 34,000, which Ganesh paid in several installments.

However, despite paying the full amount, the bank assigned the right to recover the amount to the NBFC, which claimed that there was still a due. The NBFC made several communications to Ganesh, threatening him to pay the amount or face consequences. Ganesh tried to communicate with both parties, but they failed to listen to his plea. The NBFC even claimed that there were dues for the past 17 years and demanded Rs 58,859.62 to be paid.

The bank had also given a report to CIBIL, stating that the current outstanding was Rs 80,90,644, which affected Ganesh’s CIBIL score and prevented him from availing any benefits. Ganesh issued a legal notice, but the NBFC failed to respond. The bank responded, seeking details of payment, which Ganesh provided.

The consumer commission, headed by president D Gopinath, found that both the bank and the NBFC were deficient in providing basic services. They directed both parties to close Ganesh’s account, issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and update the CIBIL report. The commission also directed them to pay jointly or severally Rs 1 lakh as compensation for deficiency in banking service, mental agony, pain, and sufferings, and Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs within two months.

The commission’s order is a victory for Ganesh, who had been harassed by the bank and the NBFC for 17 years. The order highlights the importance of consumer protection and the need for banks and financial institutions to provide transparent and fair services to their customers. The commission’s decision also serves as a warning to other banks and financial institutions to adhere to consumer protection laws and regulations.

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited has launched a new public education campaign called “Anti-Fraud Convenience Store” to raise awareness about fraud prevention. The campaign features a pop-up store in a high-traffic shopping mall where visitors can engage with playfully named convenience store “products” that deliver tips on how to stay vigilant against scams. The initiative is part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and scams, and follows the success of last year’s “Anti-Fraud Restaurant” campaign.

The launch event was attended by Mary Huen, CEO of Standard Chartered Hong Kong, Arthur Yuen, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Keith Yip, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations). They collectively called for the public to be more aware of fraud prevention and to stay vigilant against scams. Celebrity Kalok Chow also participated in the event, sharing useful anti-fraud tips as a “one-day store manager”.

The pop-up store will be open until July 20 and will feature 14 creatively designed “anti-fraud products” that aim to educate visitors on how to guard against common scams. These include fraudulent activities such as impersonating officials or customer service representatives, investment tip scams, and electronic payment scams like phishing messages or fake websites.

The campaign is part of the bank’s commitment to combating fraud and scams, and follows its success in tripling its fraud detection rate in the first five months of the year. The bank has also significantly increased the amount of fraudulent funds intercepted before transfer, and clients’ relevant losses have dropped by 70%. Standard Chartered will continue to invest in fraud prevention technology and public education to help guard against evolving scams.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Police Force have also expressed their support for the campaign, emphasizing the importance of educating the public on how to protect themselves against scams. The authorities have introduced various anti-scam tools, such as “E-Banking Security ABC” and “Money Safe”, to help the public stay safe. The “Anti-Fraud Convenience Store” campaign is a unique and engaging way to raise awareness about fraud prevention, and is open to the public until July 20.

Standard Chartered Bank is advising investors to take advantage of potential market volatility in the second half of 2025 to build positions that align with its key investment themes. The bank’s investment strategy is based on three core principles: overweighting global equities with a focus on Asia ex-Japan, favoring a weak US dollar, and incorporating portfolio diversifiers such as gold and alternative strategies.

Despite the potential for market jitters due to the upcoming expiry of President Trump’s trade truce, Standard Chartered views any volatility as a tactical opportunity to reinforce its investment themes. The bank notes that previous crises in 2025 have not had a lasting impact on financial markets, with global equities rising over 9% in the second quarter despite a significant sell-off earlier in the year.

Standard Chartered is advocating for diversified global equity exposure, with a tilt towards Asia ex-Japan. The bank’s quantitative models show bullish signals for Japanese and UK equities, in addition to US markets, and it expects major equity markets to re-test and set new highs. The bank maintains an overweight stance on Asia ex-Japan equities, led by China, and also favors Euro area equities and the industrial sector in Europe.

In the bond market, Standard Chartered suggests adding to both US and Emerging Market bonds on pullbacks. The bank advises waiting for a rebound in US bond yields before adding further, and favors the 5-7 year maturity profile. It also remains bullish on US inflation-protected bonds (TIPS) as a hedge against inflation worries. For non-USD bonds, the bank recommends adding to Emerging Market local currency bonds on pullbacks, once investor positioning cools down.

The bank’s overall strategy is to ease into equities and other preferred assets, especially on any tariff-related volatility. It anticipates that trade-related uncertainty will maintain pressure on the US dollar, and any resulting volatility should be viewed as an opportunity to add to its investment themes. By leveraging potential market volatility, investors can build positions that align with Standard Chartered’s key investment themes and take advantage of opportunities in global equities, bonds, and other assets.

Standard Chartered Bangladesh recently hosted its Global Research Briefing, which provided an update on the outlook for Bangladesh’s economy. The event featured insights from the bank’s Global Research team, presenting a cautiously optimistic picture of the country’s macroeconomic conditions. According to the data, Bangladesh’s economy is showing early signs of improvement after a period of turbulence, with inflation likely having peaked, foreign exchange reserves stabilizing, and exports starting to pick up.

The bank’s research estimates that Bangladesh’s GDP growth will be around 5.0% for the fiscal year 2026. Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, noted that while short-term indicators suggest a potential turning point, the bank’s confidence is rooted in the strength of long-term fundamentals. He emphasized that achieving sustained growth will depend on coordinated policy measures, ongoing external support, and structural reforms to revitalize growth drivers amidst persistent global geopolitical uncertainties.

The research also highlighted key structural challenges that require sustained attention, including moderate private sector credit growth and elevated non-performing assets. While external debt repayments remain manageable, caution is needed, particularly as revenue growth shows signs of slowing. Fiscal consolidation and policy reforms, particularly in revenue mobilization and subsidy rationalization, will be essential for unlocking long-term growth.

The event was attended by Lutfey Siddiqi, the chief advisor’s envoy for international affairs, who thanked Standard Chartered for convening the event. He emphasized the importance of embedding sound risk management practices to manage foreign exchange and interest rate uncertainties. The government remains committed to reform efforts aimed at improving the ease of doing business and attracting foreign direct investment. Moving forward, it is essential to draw on collective expertise and align policy support to navigate global market complexities and drive sustainable, inclusive growth for Bangladesh.

Overall, the briefing presented a positive outlook for Bangladesh’s economy, with a focus on the need for sustained policy efforts and structural reforms to unlock long-term growth. The bank’s research and insights provide a valuable perspective on the country’s economic prospects, and the event served as a platform for discussion and collaboration among stakeholders to drive sustainable and inclusive growth for Bangladesh.