Standard Chartered Bank Spreads Ramadan's Spirit of Sharing with 500 Underprivileged Families

Manama, Wednesday, 17th September 2008 - Celebrating the Holy month of Ramadan, Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain in collaboration with Bahrain Philanthropic Society is spreading the spirit of sharing by giving necessities food hampers to 500 underprivileged families in Bahrain.

The cheque was presented by Jonathan Morris, Chief Executive Officer Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain to Hassan Ebrahim Hasan Kamal, General Secretary & president of Bahrain Philanthropic Society at the Manama branch to purchase the hampers which will contain basic day to day food essentials.

Jonathan Morris said "The gift during the Holy Month is part of the Bank's ongoing community activities. Standard Chartered strongly believes in contributing to the community and society where we operate because corporate responsibility is a part of Standard Chartered culture. The Bank believes that while it is important to do business, plan growth and build market share, it is also important to uphold humanitarian values to help the needy."

"This Ramadan donation is part of a broader initiative planned by the Bank's Diversity & Inclusion agenda across the Middle East & North Africa region to feed the underprivileged families. At Standard Chartered, we are determined to lead by example within the markets in which we operate - this is a clear commitment by the Bank and its staff in helping the communities in Bahrain towards the wellbeing of the nation."

Standard Chartered Bank 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. Our aim in building a sustainable business is to deliver value to customers and shareholders whilst helping to address the significant social, economic and environmental issues the world is facing. Standard Chartered is well placed to achieve this in Asia, Africa and the Middle East through its longstanding relationships and deep involvement in these regions.

In Bahrain, Standard Chartered Bank was the first bank to operate and opened our business in Manama in 1920. Now, as we rapidly growing our presence, we want to build on our strong and long lasting connections the Bahrain community.

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, listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, 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 the number of employees 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 in its markets through leading by example to be the right partner for its stakeholders. The group now employs 73,000 people, representing 115 nationalities, in more than 1,700 branches and outlets located in over 70 countries. The bank derives more than 90 per cent of its operating income and profits from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with balanced income derived from both Wholesale and Consumer Banking.

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