Standard Chartered wins two prestigious awards at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2010

The bank operates the largest trading floor in the Middle East and has arranged more than USD 16 billion worth of loans to its clients in 2009

Standard Chartered Bank received two prestigious awards from world renowned finance magazine Euromoney. The Bank won the "Best Investment Bank in the Middle East and UAE" and "Best Forex Bank in the Middle East and UAE". The awards were received at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2010 at a ceremony recently held in Beirut, Lebanon.

Commenting on the achievement, Dan Azzi, Co-Head of the wholesale bank in the Middle East & North Africa said: "Despite difficult times, Standard Chartered Bank continues to record impressive results across its core businesses. In 2009, we completed a significant number of milestone deals in a range of industries across the Middle East. Our robust balance sheet ensures we can provide significant capital and we have played pivotal roles in landmark transactions which have altered the shape of project financing in the region. We are committed to meet the needs of our clients and remain confident about the prospects of the dynamic Middle East Market."

Standard Chartered Bank has completed more than ten project finance deals in the Middle Eastern and African markets during the past year with a total amount of USD 1.6 billion. The Bank continues to arrange innovative, ground-breaking transactions, particularly in the strategic Independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP) sector. In addition, since April 2009, Standard Chartered has helped clients raise over USD16 billion in the region through a diverse mix of instruments, including syndicated loans, bonds, Sukuk and hybrid debt in both USD and local currency.

Hassan Jarrar, Head of Client Origination and Coverage UAE, Standard Chartered said," Our Strong liquidity and astute risk management, combined with a client-focused approach, makes Standard Chartered the market leader, having arranged or coordinated some of the largest transactions in the GCC market. We are really glad to have won these awards, which come as a testament to the Bank's leadership position in the Middle East, GCC and the UAE's Capital Markets and Project Finance industries".

Nafees Akbarali, Regional Head of Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities Trading MENA and Global Head of G10 rates Trading at Standard Chartered said," Standard Chartered has continued to strengthen its FOREX operations in the region and its place as the market leader and the "Best FOREX Bank in the Middle East Award" comes as a testament of the great team work and effort of a large array of stakeholders. We will continue to provide best-in-class Market Risk Analysis and consistent and strong pricing to deepen the trust with our clients in the region."

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence is an annual event which selects the best ranking banks in the region. All the awards have one central theme – they recognise institutions and individuals that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and momentum in the markets in which they excel.

For further information, please contact:

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

Ramy Lawand
Manager, Corporate Affairs,Standard Chartered Bank
Tel: 04 508 2564 Mobile: 056 675 9894
E-mail: ramy.lawand@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 and Hong Kong 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 1700 offices in 70 markets, Standard Chartered offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for its 75,000 staff. The Bank 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. This heritage and these values are expressed in its brand promise, 'Here for good'.

For more information on Standard Chartered, please visit: www.standardchartered.com