The Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel i have launched the 10th edition of the Agrow Award, a platform that recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector. The award has been running since 2014 and has honored 77 individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to the sector. The 10th edition will continue to celebrate excellence across multiple categories, including Lifetime Achievement, Farmer of the Year, and Best Agricultural Organisation in Research, Innovation and Technology.

This year’s edition introduces a new category, “Best Rooftop Farmer,” which aims to promote sustainable and liveable cities by providing local, fresh, and safe food and improving air quality. The award ceremony will take place later this year, and a distinguished jury panel comprising local and international experts, academics, and industry leaders will evaluate the submissions. Applications for the 10th Agrow Award are now open and will be accepted until July 15, 2025.

The launch of the 10th Agrow Award is a significant milestone, marking 120 years of Standard Chartered’s presence in Bangladesh. The bank’s CEO, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, expressed his gratitude to Channel i for their partnership and to the wider community for their support. He also commended the awardees for their dedication and innovative approaches, which contribute to tackling climate change and ensuring food security for the nation.

Shaykh Seraj, Director and Head of News at Channel i, emphasized the importance of recognizing the extraordinary contributions of farmers and the agriculture-based economy. He believes that the Agrow Award is a modest attempt to honor their hard work and dedication. The introduction of the new category, Best Rooftop Farmer, is expected to encourage rooftop and urban farming initiatives, making cities more sustainable environments.

Standard Chartered Bangladesh has been deeply embedded in the nation’s growth story for over 120 years, driving commerce, fostering inclusive development, and investing in communities. The bank remains committed to creating lasting impact through initiatives like the Agrow Award. The award is a testament to the bank’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence in the agriculture sector, which is critical to Bangladesh’s economic growth and food security.

The New Zealand government’s Budget 2025 has maintained its goal of returning to a surplus by 2029, but the deficit path has significantly widened due to a weaker growth forecast and new tax incentives. The government has reduced its operating allowance to NZD 1.3 billion, the lowest in over a decade, while keeping capital spending steady at NZD 4 billion. Despite this restraint, the projected fiscal deficits over the next four years have increased, with a deficit of NZD 12.1 billion (2.6% of GDP) forecast for FY26, which is NZD 1.6 billion wider than previously projected.

The budget has also revised up the total borrowing over the forecast horizon by NZD 4 billion, with gross issuance increasing to NZD 175 billion (42% of GDP) over the next four years. While bond issuance for FY25 and FY26 has been trimmed by NZD 4 billion, this reduction is offset by increases in later years, including a NZD 6 billion uplift in FY29. The funding task remains significant, particularly as maturities from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Large-Scale Asset Purchase (LSAP) program roll off and debt servicing costs rise.

The budget is unlikely to alter the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) near-term monetary policy path. The RBNZ is expected to remain focused on keeping inflation in check, particularly as global risks and medium-term pressures persist. The budget’s message is clear: fiscal policy will support disinflation, but monetary policy will remain the primary anchor. As a result, the RBNZ is likely to continue to prioritize price stability, even as the government’s fiscal policy becomes more expansionary.

Overall, the budget suggests that the government is taking a cautious approach to fiscal policy, while also acknowledging the need for ongoing support for the economy. The increased borrowing and revised deficit projections reflect the challenges posed by a weaker growth backdrop and the need for fiscal flexibility. However, the RBNZ’s monetary policy stance is likely to remain unchanged, with a focus on maintaining price stability and supporting the economy through a period of uncertainty.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Standard Chartered have announced a partnership to expand lending in local currencies to businesses in emerging markets. This collaboration aims to increase access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote economic development in these regions.

Through this partnership, IFC will provide a guarantee to Standard Chartered, allowing the bank to lend more to businesses in local currencies. This will help mitigate the risks associated with lending in emerging markets, where currency fluctuations can be a significant challenge. The guarantee will also enable Standard Chartered to offer more competitive interest rates and longer loan tenors to its clients.

The partnership will focus on supporting businesses in sectors such as trade finance, construction, and manufacturing. These sectors are critical to the economic growth and development of emerging markets, and accessing finance is often a significant challenge for businesses operating in these areas.

By lending in local currencies, businesses will be able to avoid the risks associated with foreign currency borrowing, which can be a significant burden. This will also help to promote financial inclusion and support the development of local capital markets.

The IFC and Standard Chartered partnership is part of a broader effort to increase access to finance for businesses in emerging markets. The IFC has been working to promote the use of local currency lending as a way to reduce the risks associated with foreign currency borrowing and to support the development of local capital markets.

Standard Chartered has a significant presence in emerging markets and has been working to increase its lending to businesses in these regions. The bank has a strong track record of supporting SMEs and has developed a range of financial products and services tailored to their needs.

The partnership between IFC and Standard Chartered is expected to have a significant impact on businesses in emerging markets. By increasing access to finance and promoting the use of local currency lending, the partnership will help to support economic growth and development in these regions. It will also help to reduce the risks associated with foreign currency borrowing and promote financial inclusion. Overall, the partnership is an important step forward in supporting the development of businesses in emerging markets and promoting economic growth and prosperity.

Standard Chartered, a London-based bank, has released a report predicting significant growth in the Islamic finance industry by 2028. The report, titled “Islamic Banking for Financial Institutions,” forecasts that Islamic finance assets will reach $7.5 trillion by 2028, up from $5.5 trillion in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of over 36% in just four years.

Islamic banking is expected to drive the majority of this growth, with assets projected to grow from $4 trillion in 2024 to $5.2 trillion by 2028, accounting for over 70% of the total Islamic finance assets. The sukuk market, which refers to! Sharia-compliant bonds, is also expected to expand significantly, from $971 billion to $1.5 trillion during the same period.

The report, which was based on a survey of 26 representatives from leading Islamic banks in key markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Pakistan, and the UK, also provides insights into the priorities and trends in the Islamic finance industry. For example, green sukuk and financing were identified as the most important product innovation by Islamic banks, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability in the industry.

In terms of technology, the report found that 50% of Islamic banks have adopted or plan to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), demonstrating the increasing focus on digitalization in the industry. The report also identifies economic corridors such as China, the Middle East, and Africa as offering the greatest opportunities for growth over the next two to three years.

According to Khurram Hilal, CEO of Group Islamic Banking at Standard Chartered, “Islamic finance is entering a new era defined by scale, sustainability, and strategic integration.” Standard Chartered’s global Islamic banking franchise, Standard Chartered Saadiq, offers Shariah-compliant solutions to financial institutions, corporates, wealth, retail, and private banking client segments in over 25 countries, positioning the bank as a major player in the Islamic finance industry. Overall, the report suggests that the Islamic finance industry is poised for significant growth and expansion in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for Shariah-compliant financial products and services.

FalconX, a leading institutional digital asset prime broker, has announced a strategic partnership with Standard Chartered, a global bank, to expand its banking and settlement capabilities for its clients worldwide. The partnership aims to enhance the speed, scale, and reliability of FalconX’s services for institutional clients, including asset managers, hedge funds, token issuers, and payment platforms.

In the initial phase, Standard Chartered will provide FalconX with a comprehensive suite of banking services, including access to a broad range of currency pairs and improved cross-border settlement infrastructure. FalconX will integrate Standard Chartered’s banking infrastructure, enabling it to offer more robust banking and foreign exchange (FX) solutions to its clients.

The partnership is expected to evolve beyond banking to include the development of new products and services for institutional clients. This collaboration underscores Standard Chartered’s commitment to advancing the digital asset ecosystem and supporting the growing demand for digital assets among institutional investors.

According to Matt Long, General Manager of FalconX, the partnership strengthens the company’s ability to deliver robust banking and FX solutions to clients operating in crypto markets. Luke Boland, Head of Fintech at Standard Chartered, noted that the bank is proud to provide the necessary banking infrastructure to enable firms like FalconX to deliver world-class trading and financing solutions to institutional clients.

The partnership between FalconX and Standard Chartered is significant, as it highlights the increasing adoption of digital assets among institutional investors and the need for robust banking and settlement infrastructure to support this growth. By collaborating with a global bank like Standard Chartered, FalconX is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its clients and further establish itself as a leading institutional digital asset prime broker. Overall, the partnership is expected to have a positive impact on the digital asset ecosystem, enabling more institutional investors to participate in the market with confidence.

A financial expert, likely a representative from Standard Chartered, expressed optimism about the Indian bond market, citing opportunities for investors despite less favorable tax treatments. He believes that bonds, along with gold, can provide stability to portfolios, particularly in an environment of slower growth and heightened risks. With the Reserve Bank of India biased towards cutting rates, he thinks it’s a good time to hold bonds, as this can help reduce volatility and allow investors to take on more risk.

The expert also discussed the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stating that such deals can help offset the impact of US tariffs. He believes that the current environment, with its “doom and gloom” surrounding US policies, gives these trade deals more impetus. The FTA is expected to have a positive impact on various sectors, with consumer discretionary, financials, and healthcare being the main areas of focus.

The expert is confident about a consumption boost in India, driven by budgetary support on the fiscal side and increasing room for monetary support. This confidence is reflected in Standard Chartered’s shift in preference from infotech to healthcare in Indian equities, which is seen as a more defensive approach to reduce exposure to trade-sensitive and growth-sensitive sectors.

Overall, the expert’s views suggest that India’s bond market and trade agreements, such as the India-UK FTA, present opportunities for investors. His confidence in the consumption boost and the shift in preference to healthcare equities indicate a more cautious approach, focusing on stability and reducing exposure to risks. With the Reserve Bank of India likely to cut rates, and the government providing fiscal support, the expert believes that bonds and gold can provide a stable foundation for portfolios, allowing investors to take on more risk and navigate the current environment of slower growth and heightened risks.

Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart) has taken its fight against a court order to pay its former employees a combined Sh1.5 billion in pension awards to the Supreme Court. The bank is challenging a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld a decision by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which ordered StanChart to pay the pension benefits to over 200 former staff members.

The former employees had sued the bank, arguing that they were entitled to a higher pension payout based on their final salaries and years of service. The Employment and Labour Relations Court agreed with them, ruling that the bank had underpaid their pension benefits. The Court of Appeal later upheld this decision, prompting StanChart to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The bank argues that the Court of Appeal erred in its judgment, claiming that the pension scheme in question was a discretionary trust that allowed the bank to make decisions on pension payouts. StanChart contends that it had followed the rules of the pension scheme and that the former employees were not entitled to the higher payout.

The former employees, on the other hand, argue that the bank had breached its contractual obligations to them by underpaying their pension benefits. They claim that the bank had promised to pay them a certain amount based on their final salaries and years of service, but had failed to do so.

The Supreme Court’s decision in this case is expected to have significant implications for employers and employees in Kenya. If the court upholds the lower courts’ decisions, it could set a precedent for employers to pay higher pension benefits to their former employees. On the other hand, if the court rules in favor of StanChart, it could limit the ability of employees to claim higher pension benefits.

The case also highlights the importance of clear and transparent pension schemes. The dispute between StanChart and its former employees arose from a disagreement over the rules of the pension scheme and how they should be interpreted. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to provide clarity on this issue and help to prevent similar disputes in the future.

Overall, the StanChart pension award case is a significant employment law dispute that has far-reaching implications for employers and employees in Kenya. The Supreme Court’s decision will be closely watched by both parties, as well as by other employers and employees who may be affected by the outcome.

Standard Chartered PLC is a prominent banking group with a strong presence in emerging countries. The company’s net banking products can be broken down into three main categories: retail and private banking, commercial and corporate banking, and other activities. Retail and private banking accounts for 51.8% of the group’s net banking products, and includes services such as traditional banking, credit cards, consumer loans, and online banking. This segment caters to individual customers and small to medium-sized businesses, providing a range of financial products and services to meet their needs.

The commercial, corporate, investment, and market banking segment accounts for 47.3% of the group’s net banking products. This segment provides financial services to larger businesses and corporations, including business financing, cash management, and investment products. The remaining 0.9% of the group’s net banking products are classified as “other” activities.

In terms of financial performance, Standard Chartered PLC had a significant amount of deposits and loans on its balance sheet at the end of 2023. The group had USD 497.4 billion in current deposits, indicating a strong base of customer funds. Additionally, the group had USD 331.9 billion in current loans, which suggests a substantial portfolio of lending activities.

Geographically, the group’s income is distributed across various regions. The majority of the group’s income comes from Asia, which accounts for 70.2% of total income. This is followed by Africa and the Middle East, which accounts for 16.2% of income. Europe and the Americas account for 9.5% of income, while other regions account for 4.1%. This geographic distribution reflects the group’s strategic focus on emerging markets and its commitment to serving customers in these regions. Overall, Standard Chartered PLC is a major player in the global banking industry, with a diverse range of products and services and a strong presence in emerging markets.

Over the past decade, the United States has emerged as the European Union’s (EU) dominant trade partner, with bilateral goods trade worth approximately €1 trillion in 2024. This represents over 20% of the EU’s total extra-regional exports. The US’s growing trade dominance can be attributed to several factors, including robust domestic demand, stagnant export growth to the UK since Brexit, and a decline in exports to China following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the imposition of US tariffs could potentially disrupt this trade relationship, prompting the EU to seek alternative trade partners.

In the near term, the UK offers the greatest opportunity for the EU to expand trade flows. The existing Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the two parties may be renegotiated to improve its terms, with progress possible as early as this summer. Both sides have incentives to strengthen their trade relationship, making the UK a prime target for the EU’s trade expansion efforts.

The EU’s relationship with China has shown signs of improvement, but the trading relationship remains lopsided, with the EU seeking to address concerns over the imbalance. While there are opportunities for cooperation, the EU’s concerns over the trade deficit and other issues must be addressed.

The EU is also pursuing other trade agreements, including the EU-Mercosur deal, which may receive a boost due to the evolving global trade landscape. However, ratification of the deal is still uncertain. Additionally, trade negotiations with countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand have resumed, although EU environmental regulations remain a point of contention.

In the long term, an EU-India free trade agreement (FTA) may offer significant benefits for the EU. Changes to the negotiation process could facilitate progress, but several hurdles must be overcome before an agreement can be reached. Overall, the EU is seeking to diversify its trade relationships and reduce its dependence on the US, while also addressing concerns over trade imbalances and environmental regulations. By pursuing new trade agreements and renegotiating existing ones, the EU aims to accelerate its trade expansion efforts and promote economic growth.

Several financial institutions and experts have made predictions about the future price of Bitcoin, with some forecasting significant gains by the end of the year and beyond. Standard Chartered, a major international bank, has made a bullish prediction, suggesting that Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by the end of the year. This prediction is based on the idea that investors may flee US assets and turn to alternative investments like Bitcoin.

Similarly, Investing.com India reports that StanChart predicts Bitcoin will hit a fresh all-time high in the second quarter of the year. This forecast is likely based on the bank’s analysis of market trends and the growing interest in cryptocurrency.

CoinDesk also reports on Standard Chartered’s prediction, suggesting that Bitcoin could hit $120,000 as investors seek alternative assets. This prediction is driven by the idea that investors are becoming increasingly cautious about the US economy and are looking for alternative investments that can provide a safe haven.

Meanwhile, Presto Research has made an even more ambitious prediction, suggesting that Bitcoin could hit $210,000 by 2025. This forecast is based on the idea that Bitcoin will continue to gain mainstream acceptance and that its price will rise accordingly.

Binance, a major cryptocurrency exchange, has also noted the potential for a Bitcoin resurgence, with the hashtag “#BitcoinResurgence” trending on social media. This suggests that there is growing enthusiasm for Bitcoin and that the cryptocurrency may be poised for a significant price increase.

Overall, these predictions suggest that Bitcoin is likely to experience significant price growth in the coming months and years. While predictions are inherently uncertain and subject to change, they do indicate a growing sense of optimism about the future of Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency market more broadly. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether these predictions come to fruition and what other developments shape the future of Bitcoin.

Geoff Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered Bank, is predicting a bullish future for Bitcoin, with a potential price of $200,000 by the end of 2025. Kendrick attributes this forecast to growing concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence and Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against risks in the traditional financial system. As economic uncertainties loom, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and independence from government or institutional control make it an attractive safe haven for investors.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023 is cited as an example of Bitcoin’s resilience, as it rallied while traditional assets faltered. Investors are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a buffer against systemic risks, particularly when trust in conventional institutions wanes. Kendrick also points to the U.S. Treasury term premium, which has hit a 12-year high, reflecting investor caution toward long-term Treasury bonds. This yield disparity has historically benefited Bitcoin, and Kendrick expects this trend to continue.

Standard Chartered’s forecast is based on confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term growth, driven by persistent macroeconomic uncertainties and eroding trust in centralized financial systems. Market trends support this view, with robust institutional demand and inflows into Bitcoin ETFs. As of April 22, 2025, the Bitcoin ETF net flow recorded a significant inflow of $912.70 million, with historical values showing $248.70 million over the last three months.

While the path to $200,000 hinges on sustained investor confidence and favorable economic conditions, Kendrick is optimistic about Bitcoin’s potential. He projects an even loftier target of $500,000 by 2028, driven by the same factors. However, it’s essential to approach such projections with caution, as Bitcoin’s price remains sensitive to global economic and political developments. Regulatory crackdowns, shifts in monetary policy, or reduced institutional interest could derail Standard Chartered’s forecast.

Overall, Standard Chartered’s prediction highlights Bitcoin’s growing appeal in volatile markets and its potential as a hedge against financial risks. As investors increasingly seek safe havens, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and independence from traditional financial systems make it an attractive option. While the future is uncertain, Kendrick’s forecast suggests that Bitcoin’s price could continue to rise as investors seek to diversify their portfolios and protect themselves from economic uncertainty.

Standard Chartered, a British multinational bank, has announced the launch of a $77.5 billion debt issuance program. This program will enable the bank to issue debt securities in various currencies, including euros, US dollars, and pounds sterling, among others. The debt issuance program is designed to provide the bank with flexibility and access to funding, allowing it to manage its liquidity and capital requirements more effectively.

The program will be used to issue a range of debt securities, including senior unsecured notes, subordinated notes, and covered bonds. The debt securities will have varying maturities, ranging from a few months to several years. The program will be managed by a group of global coordinators, including Standard Chartered’s own investment banking arm, as well as other major banks.

The launch of the debt issuance program is part of Standard Chartered’s broader strategy to strengthen its balance sheet and improve its capital position. The bank has been working to reduce its risk-weighted assets and improve its return on equity, and the debt issuance program is seen as a key component of this effort.

The program is also seen as a vote of confidence in the bank’s financial health and prospects. Standard Chartered has been working to transform its business and improve its operational efficiency, and the debt issuance program is a sign that the bank is committed to investing in its future.

The $77.5 billion debt issuance program is one of the largest ever launched by a bank, and it reflects the growing demand for debt securities from investors. The program is expected to attract a wide range of investors, including institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and individual investors.

In terms of the impact on the bank’s financials, the debt issuance program is expected to have a positive effect on Standard Chartered’s liquidity and capital position. The program will provide the bank with access to a large pool of funding, which will enable it to meet its financial obligations and invest in its business.

Overall, the launch of the $77.5 billion debt issuance program is a significant development for Standard Chartered, and it reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening its balance sheet and improving its financial health. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the bank’s financials and prospects, and it is seen as a key component of the bank’s strategy to transform its business and improve its operational efficiency.

Standard Chartered, a global bank, has launched a new fund that allows high net worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) to invest in the sports industry. The fund, managed by an external manager, focuses on sports, media, and entertainment opportunities, tapping into the growing interest in sports investing. This move makes Standard Chartered one of the first banks to offer such a fund across its global footprint.

The demand for sports investing is fueled by the rapid growth of the media industry, with major sports leagues globally signing record-breaking broadcasting deals. Recent high-profile sports-related transactions among leading family offices have also sparked interest in sports investing as an alternative asset class for UHNWIs. For example, Blue Pool Capital, the Hong Kong-based family office of Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai and owner of the NBA team Brooklyn Nets, is a notable sports investor.

According to Samir Subberwal, global head of wealth solutions, deposits, and mortgages, and chief client officer at Standard Chartered, “We have observed strong growing interest from our clients in alternative asset classes such as sports investing.” He notes that the growing media industry is an impetus for the bank to act, and that it is timely to leverage the expertise of leading global fund managers to connect HNWIs and UHNWIs to professionally managed solutions that provide access to hard-to-access opportunities.

The new fund is available to high net worth clients within Standard Chartered’s global private bank. This move is expected to attract a range of investors, including HNWIs and UHNWIs who are looking for new and exciting investment opportunities in the sports industry.

Standard Chartered, OKX, and Franklin Templeton have launched a pilot trading platform that enables institutional clients to use cryptocurrencies and tokenized money market funds as collateral in off-exchange transactions. The platform aims to meet institutional security, regulatory compliance, and liquidity standards. Franklin Templeton’s Digital Assets division will provide tokenized on-chain assets that OKX clients can integrate into their trading and risk management workflows. The structure enables true ownership and near-instantaneous settlement, removing reliance on traditional infrastructure and aligning operational speed with blockchain-based systems.

The platform also onboarded Brevan Howard Digital, a division of the global alternative investment manager Brevan Howard, as one of its first participants. The program operates within the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) framework and aims to provide capital efficiency and enhanced asset protection through custody arrangements with a globally systemically important bank (G-SIB). Under the pilot structure, Standard Chartered will act as the independent custodian, while OKX will manage the collateral and facilitate transaction execution.

The initiative addresses institutional demand for trusted digital asset custody and supports the safe use of blockchain-based products in trading environments. According to Margaret Harwood-Jones, global head of financing and securities services at Standard Chartered, the collaboration leverages the bank’s established custody infrastructure to provide a secure mechanism for holding digital collateral.

The platform seeks to facilitate the broader adoption of tokenized instruments in institutional trading by enabling institutions to post digital assets as collateral while maintaining regulatory safeguards and custodial segregation. The program is designed to be regulatory-grade and suitable for institutional participants, with OKX’s infrastructure combined with Standard Chartered’s custody services creating a secure environment for trading.

This collaboration aims to provide a solution for institutions to use digital assets as collateral, which can be a game-changer for the industry. It demonstrates the increasing availability of compliant infrastructure for large-scale participation in the digital asset sector and the institutionalization of the market. The pilot platform has the potential to increase capital efficiency and asset protection, making it an attractive option for institutional investors.