Standard Chartered (OTCMKTS:SCBFF) is a British multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London. With a network extending to more than 70 markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and parts of Europe and the Americas, the bank serves both individual and corporate clients. Its emphasis on emerging markets has positioned it as a connector of trade and capital flows between the world’s fastest-growing economies and established financial centres.
The company’s core business activities encompass corporate and institutional banking, commercial banking, retail banking and wealth management. It offers transaction banking, trade finance, treasury services and foreign exchange solutions, alongside specialized Islamic finance products. Standard Chartered also provides digital banking platforms designed to streamline cross-border payments, liquidity management and trade documentation for multinational corporations and small-to-medium enterprises.
Standard Chartered’s origins date back to the 19th century, combining the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China (founded in 1853) with Standard Bank of British South Africa (founded in 1862). The two institutions merged in 1969, establishing a legacy of facilitating international trade and investment in Asia, Africa and beyond. Over the decades, the group has pursued strategic acquisitions and partnerships to broaden its service offering and strengthen its presence in key markets.
Since 2015, the bank has been led by Group Chief Executive Officer Bill Winters, supported by a global executive team focused on driving digital innovation, sustainability and financial inclusion. Standard Chartered remains committed to fostering economic growth in its core regions through responsible banking practices and technology-driven solutions.
