Standard Chartered Bank Opens Zinj Branch

Monday 10 January, 2011, Bahrain - Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain is pleased to announce the expansion of the Bank's distribution network with the launch of its Zinj branch today. The Standard Chartered Zinj branch is ideally located in a large residential neighbourhood and a favoured location for SMEs. The Bank has been actively expanding its branch network as part of its customer-centric approach, offering enhanced services and facilities in response to local demand.

The official branch opening was presided over by H.E Dr Majeed Al Alawi, Minister of Labour in the presence of Jonathan Morris, Chief Executive Officer Bahrain, Sai Narain, Regional Head Consumer Banking, Bank Senior Management as well as business partners.

Jonathan Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain said, "We are continuously striving to make banking more flexible and convenient for our customers. As part of this effort, we have been reviewing our branch network to ensure that we are located in areas which are close to and are convenient for our customers. We are committed to continuing to invest in Standard Chartered Bahrain. The opening of a branch in Zinj follows the recent opening of our new branch in Hamad Town and we are also close to completing a programme to refurbish all of our branches in Bahrain to ensure that our customers enjoy the best possible service."

"Through our international expertise and local capability we will continue to deliver world class products and services to our customers and local businesses, building our distribution to provide greater access and convenience. We remain confident, strong and are committed to being here for our customers in Bahrain."

Standard Chartered Bank has been in Bahrain for 90 years since 1920. It is with this network of branches that we have served generations of families and well-established companies that have contributed to the Kingdom's economy, through both good and challenging times.

The Zinj branch offers full banking services, which includes 24-hour Automated Banking Lobby, within a refreshed banking area, which focuses on customers' comfort. For Priority banking customers and business owners, there are a wide range of products and services from our dedicated Priority Banking and SME Banking relationship team to support their banking requirements.

CDK Sai Narain, Regional Head of Consumer Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain and Northern Gulf, Levant & Oman said, "Customer experience is always our priority. We focus on our customers and strive to provide them with excellent banking services.Our Zinj branch is part of our strategy to grow the Bank's distribution footprint at locations that bring us closer to our customers, while offering a refreshing banking experience. Customers will enjoy the expertise of a highly specialised team of financial experts to help them make the best of their banking experience."

"Standard Chartered's key brand promise is clear, we believe in establishing ourselves as being here for good, here for our customers in their banking and financial needs. We aim to offer integrated product and services that allows customers to live up to their aspiration. Therefore, what we intend to achieve through our Zinj Branch is to start and maintain a partnership with customers that will benefit their personal and business banking goals and targets."

Details of the new Zinj Branch are as follows:

Address: Zinj
Al Jazeera Building No.130,
Road 33 Block 332, Zinj, Bahrain
(At the Jazeera Supermarket)
Tel: 00973 17 721537

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 is a leading international bank, listed on the London, Hong Kong and Mumbai stock exchanges. It has operated for over 150 years in some of the world's most dynamic markets and earns around 90 per cent of its income and profits in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This geographic focus and commitment to developing deep relationships with clients and customers has driven the Bank's growth in recent years.

With 1,700 offices in 70 markets, Standard Chartered offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for more than 80,000 staff. It 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. The Bank's heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise, 'Here for good'.

For more information, please visit: www.standardchartered.com