Escrow and account bank services Alleviating risk for your global transactions

Escrow services are vital for risk mitigation, yet every business requires a unique approach. Rely on us to create bespoke structures for your cash holding needs.

Safeguarding assets for critical business transactions

Globally, business transactions are becoming more complicated. The economic impact of COVID-19, regulatory tightening, greater friction in counterparty trust and increasing merger and acquisition (M&A) activities are contributing factors. As a result, the management of transaction risk and safeguarding of assets have become more critical.

With a long history of managing risks associated with complex escrow transactions, we’ve become a trusted partner across the world. We create tailored escrow and account bank structures, for the safekeeping and optimum disbursement of your cash.

Regulations around cash movements are also typically stricter in emerging and frontier markets, making it harder to establish escrow and account bank structures. With a footprint across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, we can help navigate local regulatory and risk-management nuances while providing robust and compliant solutions across your global operations.

Here to help

Meet your unique needs

Our escrow and account bank teams are solely dedicated to implementing unique structures for your business needs.

Mitigate risk in highly regulated markets

Rely on our counterparty relationships and local regulatory expertise across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Trust a secure franchise

Your assets are safe with us. We are strongly capitalised and predominantly deposit-funded, with a liquid balance sheet.

Reaching your goals in counterparty risk management

Secure your escrow holdings

You need an independent escrow agent that you can trust to mitigate your counterparty risk. As an established international bank operating across emerging and frontier markets, we provide strong local support and security for your escrow needs. We have extensive experience creating escrow structures for M&As, project finance, sustainable financing, and general operations (royalty payments, sales, litigation and more) across these markets.

Control project and lending funds

For long-term projects and lending, by combining with our escrow services you’ll have assurance that funds are held securely until they’re needed. Our dedicated escrow and account bank staff have an average of 15 years’ experience facilitating complex project cashflows – from proceeds collections to the releasing of funds.

Receive a tailored service

It can be frustrating working with multiple and ever-changing groups or individuals from your service provider. So from implementation to ongoing operations, a dedicated, experienced team including legal, product and operations will be assigned to work with you – for assurance that your ongoing business needs are quickly understood. We also provide a single point of contact for the continued servicing of your escrow or account structure.

Maintain flexibility and visibility

Your business and its cash flow needs are sure to change. So complete visibility of where your cash is, and options to alter flows are important. With any escrow or account bank structure implemented, we provide access to online and offline reports – so you can stay informed of all your cash movements.

Consolidate with one banking partner

Maintaining multiple banking relationships can be a drain on resources. To support your unique escrow or account bank structure, we offer a wide range of complementary cash management and financing solutions. With this, you can save time and money, by relying on one international bank for your needs across foreign exchange, global credit markets, working capital, liquidity management and much more.

Client testimonials

"…Standard Chartered’s onboarding process was exemplary – the bank showed operational flexibility combined with strong governance… demonstrated a progressive attitude with a vision and roadmap for improved automation and security to the significant benefit of the programme’s stakeholders."

– Chris M., Global Head of Group Treasury, Trafigura

"Being our escrow and DICA bank, Standard Chartered has once again proven its execution capabilities for complex transactions. It is no wonder Standard Chartered remains our preferred partner bank as we grow our franchise in Vietnam!"

– Lee H. S., CFO of CapitaLand Vietnam

"The Standard Chartered team implemented a very efficient escrow structure given the complex transaction requirements and was able to meet regulatory, lender as well as our organisation’s liquidity requirements, while adopting a consultative and collaborative approach."

– Subhashendra K, General Manager, Corporate Finance, Ireo Private Limited

Get started with escrow and account bank services

Get in touch with your Relationship Manager to find out more about our escrow and account bank services or to explore other banking solutions.

Learn more about transaction banking at Standard Chartered

Powering businesses for a transformative and sustainable future

Whatever business challenges come your way, your need for smooth, successful transactions will be constant. Alongside continuing operational requirements, you’ll need to balance enduring targets with emerging ones – including sustainability and digitialisation aspirations.

By combining international-bank stability with local-market knowledge, we can support your transaction banking needs across the world. From cash management solutions to bolster your treasury to financing solutions to sustainably fund your supply chain, we have the solutions to help you prepare for future opportunities.

Explore transaction banking with us