Standard Chartered is an international bank with a strong presence in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.   The Bank is present in thirteen countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and has over 150 branches and 5,200 employees. Africa is at the heart of Standard Chartered's operations and the Bank has a deep, historical commitment to the continent stretching back to 1863.

Standard Chartered combines its international expertise with extensive local knowledge. In 2007, the Bank won a number of awards including: ‘Best Emerging Markets Bank’ from Euromoney, ‘Best Bank in Africa 2007’ and Best Bank in Botswana, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zambia in 2007 from the FT Banker, and ‘Best FX Bank in Africa’ from Global Finance.

governance and transparency

Standard Chartered maintains a culture of strong ethics, integrity and openness.  It applies international governance standards in the countries where it operates.  In February 2006, the Bank contributed to Business Action for Africa's first Anti-Corruption Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria.

access to finance

The Bank collaborates with 20 Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in seven African countries and is actively seeking to grow its microfinance portfolio. At the Clinton Global Initiative in September 2006, Standard Chartered committed to provide development organizations and fund managers with $500 million of credit and financial instruments to finance MFIs in Africa and Asia.

trade

Alongside other members of Business Action for Africa, Standard Chartered is a vocal supporter of strengthening trade relationships and encouraging investment in Africa. With its footprint in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Standard Chartered is uniquely positioned to support these growing trade corridors.

human development

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a significant business risk in African markets. Standard Chartered’s 'Living with HIV' initiative focuses on training all of its employees around the world about HIV/AIDS.   

The Bank has committed $1 million to NetsforLifeSM to distribute one million Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs) to 16 African countries over three years, from 2006 to 2008.

environment

Standard Chartered has committed $8-10 billion to finance renewable energy and clean technology projects in Asia, Africa and the Middle East by 2012. In 2007, the Bank won ‘Africa Power Deal of the Year’ (Project Finance Magazine) for the run of river hydro transmission project in Uganda.