Standard Chartered 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. Both companies were keen to capitalise on the huge expansion of trade and to earn the handsome profits to be made from financing the movement of goods between Europe, Asia and Africa.
The Chartered Bank
Founded by James Wilson following the grant of a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria in 1853.
Chartered opened its first branches in Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata and Shanghai in 1858, followed by Hong Kong and Singapore in 1859.
Traditional trade was in cotton from Mumbai (Bombay), indigo and tea from Kolkata, rice from Burma, sugar from Java, tobacco from Sumatra, hemp from Manila and silk from Yokohama.
Played a major role in the development of trade with the East which followed the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the extension of the telegraph to China in 1871.
In 1957 Chartered Bank bought the Eastern Bank together with the Ionian Bank's Cyprus Branches. This established a presence in the Gulf.
The Standard Bank
Founded in the Cape Province of South Africa in 1862 by John Paterson. Commenced business in Port Elizabeth, in January 1863.
Was prominent in financing the development of the diamond fields of Kimberley from 1867 and later extended its network further north to the new town of Johannesburg when gold was discovered there in 1885.
Expanded in Southern, Central and Eastern Africa and, by 1953, had 600 offices.
In 1965, it merged with the Bank of West Africa, expanding its operations into Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
From the early 1990s, Standard Chartered has focused on developing its strong franchises in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It has concentrated on consumer, corporate and institutional banking and on the provision of treasury services - areas in which the Group had particular strength and expertise. Since 2000 the Bank has achieved several milestones with a number of strategic alliances and acquisitions, which have extended the customer and geographic reach and broadened the product range that Standard Chartered offers.
Our Principles
Leading by example to be the right partner for its stakeholders, the Group is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term that is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. It employs over 75,000 people, nearly half of whom are women, The Group's employees are of 125 nationalities, of which about 70 are represented among senior management.
Strategic intent
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To be the world's best international bank
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Leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East
Brand promise
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Leading by Example to be The Right Partner
Values
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Courageous
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Responsive
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International
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Creative
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Trustworthy
Approach
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Participation Focusing on attractive, growing markets where we can leverage our relationships and expertise
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Competitive positioning Combining global capability, deep local knowledge and creativity to outperform our competitors
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Management Discipline Continuously improving the way we work, balancing the pursuit of growth with firm control of costs and risks
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Commitment to stakeholders
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Customers Passionate about our customers' success, delighting them with the quality of our service
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Our People Helping our people to grow, enabling individuals to make a difference and teams to win
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Communities Trusted and caring, dedicated to making a difference
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Investors A distinctive investment delivering outstanding performance and superior returns
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Regulators Exemplary governance and ethics wherever we are
Our business
Standard Chartered PLC, Listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ranks among the top 20 companies in the FTSE-100 by market capitalisation. The London-headquartered Group has operated for over 150 years in some of the world's most dynamic markets, leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its income and profits have more than doubled over the last few years primarily as a result of organic growth, supplemented by acquisitions.
Consumer Banking
Consumer Banking offers a broad range of products and services to meet the borrowing, wealth management and transaction needs of individuals.
Wholesale Banking
Wholesale Banking has a client-focused strategy, providing trade finance, cash management, securities services, foreign exchange and risk management, capital raising and corporate finance solutions.
SME Banking
Our SME Banking division offers products and services to help small and medium enterprises manage the demands of a growing business, including the support of out international network and trade expertise.
Islamic Banking
Standard Chartered Saadiq's dedicated team provides comprehensive international banking services and a wide range of Shariah-compliant financial products based on Islamic values.
The Standard Chartered Private Bank
Our Private Bank advisors and investment specialists provide customised solutions to meet the unique needs and aspirations of high net worth clients.
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