Standard Chartered Bank marks 90th anniversary celebration by opening Hamad Town Branch

Bank's focus on improving its local distribution capability in order to serve its customers better.

Tuesday 10 August, 2010, Bahrain – Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain is pleased to announce the launch of its Hamad Town branch today. The Standard Chartered Hamad Town branch provides the ideal location – for it is located at a large residential neighbourhood and a favoured location for SMEs.

The official branch opening was officiated by Khalid Hamad, Executive Director Banking Supervision Central Bank of Bahrain 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, "Celebrating our 90th anniversary with a branch opening is exciting. This reflects the next chapter where as the first Bank in Bahrain, we are emphasizing on our commitment of being here for our customers. Through our international expertise and local capability we will continue to deliver to our customers and local businesses; building on both our presence and enabling greater access to our products and services."

"Over the years, the banking landscape has experienced significant and positive changes in line with changes within the economic environment. Our continuous effort in re-engineering our branch network ensures that we are located in areas where our customers are located or had moved to."

"Standard Chartered Bank has a significant market share for many of our products and is continuing to see opportunities to grow. We have a clear and consistent strategy and will continue to invest for growth. We want to be there to support our customers and we are very much open for business. We remain confident, strong and 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 good and challenging times.

The Hamad Town branch offers full banking services, which includes 24-hour Automated Banking Lobby, within a refreshed banking lobby, 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 concept to support their banking requirements.

CDK Sai Narain, Regional Head of Consumer Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain and NGLO said, "Our branch at Hamad Town 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. Part of our distribution network strategy is to ensure that we are here for our customers by providing the right product mix to the right customer segment. It is therefore important that the location of each of our branches supports that strategy and to ensure the branch is well positioned to continuously support our customers‟ banking needs. The branch opening and its hours are part of our overall approach to make banking easier and more convenient and highlights our commitment to Bahrain."

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 Hamad Town 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 Hamad Town Branch are as follows:
Address: Building 3546, Road 366, Block 1203, Hamad Town. Bahrain
(Souk Al Waqaf)
(Next to Babason & Batelco Centre)
Tel: 00973 17 418 852
Fax: 00973 17 410 151

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