Employee Stories
Linnea Malmberg
My career journey so far
Can you tell us about your career journey so far and how you came to join Standard Chartered?
I began my banking career in Stockholm in 2014, when I joined a three-year internship programme alongside my university studies. Early on, I discovered a strong interest in client-facing work and supporting client needs. After graduating, I pursued a career in corporate banking and was appointed Relationship Manager for corporate clients. Working in a fast-paced environment, I built a solid foundation in banking and developed the ability to listen carefully and ask the right questions to understand what clients truly need from their banking partners.
Eventually I moved into the world of transaction banking, which is where I really found my place. I started managing complex cash management projects for large corporates who needed sophisticated solutions for their business to operate smoothly. I’ve always loved the problem solving and detail-oriented work it required. My journey then took me to New York, where I supported Nordic clients with their US operations. Working in an international banking environment further reinforced my interest in global banking, and it became clear that cross‑border, international work was where I felt most engaged! When I moved back to Sweden, I decided to join an international bank to embrace the global banking landscape, supporting commercial banking clients.
During my years in banking, I had heard a lot of positive things about Standard Chartered from peers telling me about its role as a global bank connecting corporate clients to a network that offers unique access to sustainable growth opportunities across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. That strongly resonated with me, so when the opportunity came up to join the Stockholm office and work with large corporate clients again, it felt like a natural next step. Standard Chartered’ s values, global reach, and client proposition aligned closely with what I was looking for, making it clear Standard Chartered was a great next step for me!
How has SC supported your development (e.g., training, mentoring, international exposure, cross-functional moves)
From day one, Standard Chartered has actively encouraged personal development and provides excellent platforms to learn and develop your skills. Within my first six months, I have already taken part in a mentoring programme and attended dedicated in‑person training with peers across Europe, both of which have been important for developing the professional skills required in my role.
On a more personal note, I truly value the strong encouragement to engage in volunteering initiatives and the opportunity to dedicate time to causes beyond our day‑to‑day work.
When you think about your day-to-day, what moments give you the strongest sense of achievement?
Quoting one of our valued behaviours “Better Together” really captures my answer to this question. The strongest sense of achievement is really when we deliver a world-class solution across several markets, enabling our clients to unlock the next level in their treasury operations. People are often unaware of how many colleagues involved in this process – from understanding client needs at the outset to sharing expertise and presenting the final solution. It’s really a team effort from the very beginning, from both colleagues and the client. Agreeing to move ahead with these collaborations is always a particularly rewarding moment!
What is it about your team and colleagues that makes you enjoy coming to work?
One of the highlights of my role is working across borders. I have colleagues all over the world, which means I am learning from different cultures daily, and what really stands out to me is the willingness to share expertise and have open-minded discussions.
Even when we are tackling complex situations, there is an underlying sense of having fun together that keeps the energy high. We take our work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and that balance is what makes our culture so sustainable and fun!
How has SC changed you professionally or personally since you joined?
Standard Chartered has truly broadened my horizons. I’ve gained exposure to new markets I had not previously worked with, alongside valuable cultural exchanges that have enriched my perspective. Professionally, being part of the bank’s expansion in the Netherlands is a rare and exciting opportunity. Being a part of building that business feels like a true privilege!