Standard Chartered customer becomes a 'football star'

24 April 2011, Manama, Bahrain - Standard Chartered Bank, being the oldest bank on the Island, has also become a trendsetter by offering a rare opportunity to its customer to become a football star by shooting a penalty kick during a live football match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield Stadium.

As a Liverpool FC main sponsor, the Bank took the opportunity to offer a credit card campaign to its customers where customers could take a trip to Liverpool and witness a live match not forgetting experiencing a lifetime dream opportunity to take a penalty shot during the half time of the match . The priceless experience with Standard Chartered Card campaign was held in line with bank's aim to provide continuous commitment in our credit card business and also as an effort to reward our customers.

Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain as part of its commitment and being here for its customers took 12 clients and employees by offering a rare entertaining opportunity to watch an exciting match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City teams, which was won by Liverpool FC team 3-0.

The customer, Ziad Zakhem who kicked the penalty shootout while being cheered by a packed stadium at Anfield termed this experience as unforgettable moment in his life.

Ziad said, "This was an opportunity that I had never dreamed off. Being there on the pitch during a live game is just an amazing lifetime experience. Thank you for Standard Chartered for making this possible."

Apart from Ziad Zakhem, a journalist and a child of a Bank staff had this amazing experience on the pitch during the half time to kick a penalty shot cheering by packed stadium of over 40,000 spectators.

"The Liverpool FC and Standard Chartered Bank is a great partnership. We are excited to be working with such a famous global brand as Liverpool Football Club for the next four years since 2010," Jonathan Morris, Chief Executive Officer said, while commenting on the campaign.

"The credit card campaign is one of several initiatives we developed to deliver values that match our cardholders' lifestyle and to reward our customers for using Standard Chartered credit card. This is an outstanding opportunity for Standard Chartered, our customers and shareholders, and for Liverpool, its players and fans," he said.

"This partnership brings together two highly successful organizations with a really strong cultural and strategic fit. This sponsorship will drive a step change in brand recognition in our key markets and will provide an additional catalyst for our business growth," he added.

Last year, Liverpool FC and Standard Chartered Bank had agreed a four-year deal for the bank to become the club's main sponsor, the largest commercial agreement in Liverpool's history.

The Standard Chartered Credit Cards are available today at all of Standard Chartered's 7 branches. For further information on our Credit Card, please contact the nearest Standard Chartered Branch, log on to www.standardchartered.com/bh or call 17531532

For further information, please contact:

Nimmi Kamal
Head Corporate Affairs Bahrain, Standard Chartered Bank
Tel: +973 3977 0760
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 on Standard Chartered, please visit: www.standardchartered.com