Standard Chartered Bank launches Regional Custody Services in the Middle East

Standard Chartered Bank announced today the launch of regional custody services for investors and intermediaries in the Middle East.

Standard Chartered's new offering will give customers a single entry point to access custody services in multiple markets. The key benefits include a single point of contact; single contract and consolidated reporting for multiple markets through one provider.

Custody services play an integral role in the development of capital markets by providing securities market access to investors. This covers a range of services including equity and fixed income securities settlements, safekeeping, corporate actions, income and entitlements collection, cash management, reporting, and information services to clients.

Commenting on the expansion of Standard Chartered Bank's Regional Custody Service Offerings, Stewart Adams, Regional Head of Investors and Intermediaries, Standard Chartered MENA, said: "Our regional custody hub currently caters for 26 countries and we are continuously expanding our coverage to meet customer demand. The regional custody offering aims to facilitate client access to regional and global markets, leveraging our footprint across the world's most dynamic markets. It is also a clear indication of our commitment to our brand promise: Here for Good – Here for Clients."

Shikkoh Malik, Regional Product Head of Investors & Intermediaries, MENA, added: "The regional custody product offering from our DIFC Branch adopts best international practice and comes with our award-winning Straight2Bank internet platform, a web-based electronic portal, which gives clients on-demand access to comprehensive transactional and reporting capabilities. With the state-of-art technology, highly experienced staff and extensive service coverage, we are well positioned to offer best in class custody services to our clients."

Standard Chartered has operated in the Middle East for more than 90 years, with a presence across the region. Out of its office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)*, the Bank runs the largest trading floor in the Middle East region and is an active player in developing an Arab talent pool capable of leading the bank and the industry in general.

For further information, please contact:

Piers Townsend
Regional Head of Business & Corporate Communication, MENAP
Tel: +971(0)45085916
Mob: +971(0)555085916
E-mail: Piers.Townsend@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

*Standard Chartered Bank in the DIFC is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority