Standard Chartered Bank launches Mobile Banking (mBanking)

Banking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week � anywhere in the world, at any time - all through your mobile phone.

26 January 2010, Manama, Bahrain Standard Chartered announces the launch of mobile-phone banking ('mBanking') in Bahrain. mBanking will provide Standard Chartered Bank's customers with access to banking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week � anywhere in the world all through their mobile phone. This service offers customers greater flexibility and convenience while the ability to receive SMS alerts on every activity or movement within their bank account or credit cards provides enhanced security.

Jonathan Morris, Chief Executive Officer Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain said "This new development is part of the bank's efforts to provide alternative channels through which our customers can manage their banking needs at Standard Chartered."

"The launch of the mBanking service consolidates Standard Chartered's position as a market leader in the use of technology-led financial service products. It is in line with our philosophy of meeting our customers' financial needs by not only offering innovative products and services but also delivering them in a way which is both convenient and secure".

B. Chandrasekhar, Regional Head of Consumer Banking Northern Gulf Levant and Oman said "The launch of mBanking banking in Bahrain is a very exciting initiative. This new product will enable us to significantly enhance our service to our customers in Bahrain and provides our customers with a convenient channel to access their bank account and credit card details at any time"

"We differentiate our Brand in Bahrain through our ability to leverage on our international expertise and product capabilities to introduce new, innovative services into our markets. The launch of our mBanking product in Bahrain is yet another example of this competitive advantage, and further evidence that we are continuing to invest heavily in our Bahrain franchises".

Standard Chartered's mBanking proposition will provide its customers with a number of services which are highly user-friendly, and provides an extremely convenient system for customers to access their banking requirements in real time.

Standard Chartered Bank mBanking customers will be able to:

• Check their bank balance
• View a mini bank statement for their last 3 transactions
• Change their PIN, anytime and anywhere
• Request Bank Statements
• Transfer of Funds in-between personal accounts and nominated accounts
• Request a cheque book

Customers with 'international roaming' enabled on their mobile phones will be able to complete all the above transactions from wherever they are, anywhere in the world.

The launch of mBanking in Bahrain is the latest in a list of 'alternative banking channels' introduced by Standard Chartered Bank in Bahrain. 'Alternative banking channels' leverage technology to provide customers with greater flexibility in managing their finances at their own convenience, in their own time, in the knowledge their finances are completely secure.

For further information on Standard Chartered mBanking services, please contact the nearest Standard Chartered Branch or call 17 526 237.

For further information, please contact:

Nimmi Kamal
Head Corporate Affairs Bahrain, Standard Chartered Bank
Tel: +973 3977 076
E-mail: Nimmi.Kamal@sc.com

Standard Chartered - leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East

Standard Chartered PLC, listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ranks among the top 25 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 the number of employees have more than doubled over the last five years primarily as a result of organic growth and supplemented by acquisitions.

Standard Chartered aspires to be the best international bank in its markets through leading by example to be the right partner for its stakeholders. The group now employs 73,000 people, representing 115 nationalities, in more than 1,700 branches and outlets located in over 70 countries. The bank derives more than 90 per cent of its operating income and profits from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with balanced income derived from both Wholesale and Consumer Banking.

The group is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. For more information, please visit: www.standardchartered.com