Employee Stories

Clara Ljungberg

Building a global career through curiosity and connection

Can you tell us about your career journey so far and how you came to join Standard Chartered?

My career journey has consistently been shaped by two strong themes: relationships and international exposure. During my studies, I lived in London, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Singapore and San Francisco, which sparked an early interest in working across borders and cultures.

Professionally, I began my career in Foreign Affairs before moving into Wealth Management. I then joined a Nordic bank as part of its Shipping Relationship team, followed by a role where I helped build the Commercial Bank franchise for an American bank in the Nordics – growing the client base while also recruiting new colleagues.

After reflecting on these experiences, I realised I wanted to further develop my skill set and continue working closely with large international corporates. That led to a conversation with Standard Chartered’s Nordic CEO, where we agreed that a role with the bank in Stockholm would be a strong next step – both for me and for the organisation.

Have you had the chance to work across different markets, teams, or functions? What did you learn from that experience?

Working across multiple countries, including time in Singapore with the Foreign Ministry and across international banks and clients globally, as well as across different sectors and functions, has given me a broad and dynamic toolkit.

I’ve worked with shipping clients, growing international mid-sized companies, and across disciplines ranging from diplomacy to banking and wealth management. These experiences have helped me build resilience, adaptability and discipline, qualities that benefit both my professional development and the clients I work with. Most importantly (even if it sounds a bit cheesy), I’ve learned that enjoying the work and having fun most of the time really matters!

Can you describe a project or initiative you’re particularly proud of and the impact it had?

One initiative that stands out is Standard Chartered’s strong focus on volunteering and giving back to the community beyond day-to-day business. A great example is when the entire Nordic team spent a full day volunteering at Stockholms Stadsmission, sorting goods and directly supporting the local community.

Earlier in my career, I was also involved in visiting schools to talk to students, often at a young age about the economy and personal banking. This was some time ago, but I still remember the curiosity and engagement I encountered, and it remains a very meaningful experience for me.

Can you share a time when you really felt supported by the organisation or your colleagues?

During my first six months at Standard Chartered, I was actively encouraged to travel and meet internal stakeholders across Europe to ensure my start was well anchored with both management and colleagues across the organisation. I also had the opportunity to travel to India in March, where I met with peers and clients, an experience I found incredibly valuable.

I strongly believe that choosing the right manager is just as important as choosing the right role. My People Leader was a major factor in my decision to join Standard Chartered, and his ongoing support and trust allow me to develop and challenge myself every day.

When you think about your future career, what role do you see Standard Chartered playing in it?

When I think about my future career, I see a woman who remains curious, motivated and genuinely excited about the days and weeks ahead. I believe Standard Chartered will play a key role in helping me become that person, by continuously offering opportunities to learn, grow and explore new perspectives.

With the bank’s global reach and strong internal and external networks, this feels realistic and tangible. Looking ahead, I hope to develop into a manager who inspires new colleagues to join the bank and grow their careers here.