Employee Stories

Idrissa Kamara

From Sierra Leone to Bangladesh

Idrissa’s Transformational Leadership Journey

Unlocking leadership potential across continents  
When Idrissa Kamara joined Standard Chartered in Sierra Leone in 2003, he began a journey that would span continents and leadership roles. Two decades later, he is Chief Financial Officer for Standard Chartered Bangladesh, a testament to how skills, perseverance, and a passion for learning can open doors across the world. 
 
Growing through opportunities and challenges 
Over the years, Idrissa has held a range of leadership positions including Chief Finance Officer, Company Secretary, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer across three markets. Each role strengthened his ability to turn challenges into opportunities and deepened his belief in the power of continuous learning. 
 
He joined Standard Chartered with a vision to engage and project his professional development within a global institution. Over nearly 23 years, he found not only an employer but a platform that’s allowed him to unlock his potential and become a better version of himself.
 
Thriving in a skills-based culture 
For Idrissa, being part of a skills-based organisation means being empowered to explore opportunities beyond traditional career boundaries. His journey across finance, operations, governance, and leadership demonstrates how the Bank nurtures people based on their capabilities and potential rather than titles alone. 

Standard Chartered has always deployed people based on their skills and experiences. That trust in our abilities has shaped my entire career.

Idrissa Kamara

Crossing borders, expanding horizons 

Idrissa’s career has taken him from Sierra Leone to Cameroon and now Bangladesh, experiences that have shaped his leadership and global outlook. Moving across cultures and regions has built his adaptability, resilience, and openness to change. 

Leading with purpose and adaptability 

As CFO of Bangladesh, Idrissa leads with influence and foresight, helping drive sustainable growth for clients and communities. His leadership mantra, “Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn” captures the mindset needed to stay future-ready in a dynamic world. 

Throughout his journey, Idrissa has honed critical skills in analytics, stakeholder engagement, and communication, supported by the Bank’s focus on continuous learning through global leadership programmes and external institutions like INSEAD and EY. 
 
Inspiring the next generation 
Asked what advice he would share with others aspiring to grow their careers or explore new markets, Idrissa says: 

Go for it. Every move is an opportunity for exposure and advancement. Managing cultural nuances will build your resilience and position you as a global resource.

A career built on purpose, Idrissa’s journey at Standard Chartered reflects how skill, growth, and opportunity come together to create pathways that truly span the world.