Standard Chartered Launches its newly renovated Priority Banking Centre at Manama Main Branch

Experience new standards of banking and lead a life of privileges and preferred financial solutions tailored perfectly for you with Priority Banking

Manama, Sunday, 01 February 2009 - Standard Chartered Bank, one of the leading international banks in Bahrain continues to serve its Priority customers exclusively by launching its newly renovated Priority Banking Centre today. Designed specifically for those who appreciate only the finest things in life, Priority Banking offers the very highest levels of personalised banking to match any status.

The most private and luxurious settings prepared specially for Priority Customers make up the perfect sanctuary in which to conduct financial transactions and discuss financial needs. Priority Banking services give high net-worth individuals the privileges of exclusive banking areas, together with a personal relationship manager and a host of value-added benefits.

The Priority Banking Centre was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Dr Majeed Al Alawi Labour Minister, Jonathan Morris Chief Executive Officer, and B. Chandrasekhar, Regional Head of Consumer Banking.

Jonathan Morris, Chief Executive Officer said, "Market-leading consumer banking initiatives focused on innovative distribution channels are a fundamental part of Standard Chartered's vision of becoming the bank of choice. The launch of our newly renovated dedicated Priority Banking Centre reflects the growing worldwide trend in retail banking to create friendlier, more accessible and functional environments in which to bank. Our new Priority Banking Center will provide greater convenience and significantly improve the whole service experience for our Priority Banking customers."

Priority Banking Centre is managed by a dedicated team of Customer Relationship Managers, who are highly experienced and trained in financial expertise to deliver prompt and timely attention of our customers banking needs.

B. Chandrasekhar Regional Head of Consumer Banking Bahrain, NGL & Oman added, "Our new look at Priority Banking Centre is timely, as it is in line with our new branch concept aimed to provide a cozy and conducive banking environment. We firmly believe that offering innovative services, and providing easy and convenient banking access for our customers, makes us stand out from other competitors in the region. We've worked to identify strategic locations to enhance our branch and ATM locations, to ensure we are where our customers need us to be, when they need us."

Standard Chartered, the oldest bank in Bahrain has been here since 1920, where it is embedded as the fabric of the country's community. Today, we have grown to the strength size of 531 employees with 6 branch networks in Bahrain. Globally, the Standard Chartered Group has a network of over 1750 branches in over 70 countries and employs about 75,000 people.

Standard Chartered's key brand promise is clear and simple, we believe in establishing ourselves as our customers' Right Partner in their banking and financial needs. We aim to offer integrated product and services that allows customers to live up to their aspiration. Therefore, Standard Chartered is built on our bank wide 'Right Partner' experience platform.

The Priority Banking Centre hours are from 7:30am to 3:00pm on all working days, Sunday through to Thursday, the centre will allow Priority Banking customers access to a full range of services including cash transactions, account transfers, and subsidiary account openings. For further information on Standard Chartered Priority Banking, please contact the nearest Standard Chartered Branch or call 17209 688/699.

For further information, please contact:

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

Notes to Editors

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

Standard Chartered PLC, listed on both London and Hong Kong stock exchanges, 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 profits 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 for its customers across its markets. The Bank derives more than 90 per cent of its operating income and profits from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, generated from its Wholesale and Consumer Banking businesses. The Group has around 1,750 branches and outlets located in over 70 countries. The extraordinary growth of its markets and businesses creates exciting and challenging international career opportunities.

Leading by example to be the right partner for its stakeholders, 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. It employs 75,000 people, nearly half of whom are women. The Group's employees are of 115 nationalities, of which 60 are represented among senior management.

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