Standard Chartered celebrates 120 years in Bangladesh

- Standard Chartered Group CEO Bill Winters visits Dhaka to take part in the milestone celebrations

Dhaka, Feb 18 – Standard Chartered Bank recently celebrated an important milestone of 120 years in Bangladesh. The milestone celebrations held in the capital city of Dhaka was attended by Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered PLC. Bill’s visit to Bangladesh, one of the key markets for the Bank in Asia, underscored Standard Chartered’s long-standing commitment to the country’s economic growth, and its role as a partner to sustainable development of the nation. 

During his visit, Bill engaged with business leaders, regulators, policymakers, and key civil society stakeholders to discuss the evolving financial landscape and the role of Standard Chartered in supporting Bangladesh’s continued progress. He reiterated the Bank’s objective to further drive Bangladesh growth potential, by leveraging Standard Chartered’s  international network and global expertise.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, “Standard Chartered is proud to have been the partner in progress to Bangladesh for 120 years. Bill’s presence to mark this monumental milestone reaffirms Standard Chartered’s commitment to Bangladesh – both locally and globally. As we embark on our next chapter in Bangladesh, we look to the future to build on our past, leveraging our unique global network, digital expertise, and sustainability initiatives to support the country’s aspirations.” 

Since establishing operations in Bangladesh in 1905, Standard Chartered has played a significant role in shaping the country’s banking and financial sectors. From facilitating Bangladesh’s first external letter of credit to pioneering digital banking solutions, the Bank has led the evolution of Bangladesh’s financial landscape from the front. It has pioneered the development of financial tools with first-in-market deals including first commodity derivative, first interest rate derivative, first metal derivative and many more, constantly innovating to meet the nation’s growing needs. 

Over 120 years, Standard Chartered has significantly contributed to nation’s infrastructure and trade development. It has been supporting country’s economic growth, financing critical sectors such as power, energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, aviation, manufacturing and RMG. As a partner in progress to Bangladesh, it has achieved many milestones, from facilitating the largest foreign direct investment in Bangladesh, to enabling the first Bangladesh greenfield investment abroad and the first cross-border acquisition by a Bangladeshi company. 

Standard Chartered remains dedicated to championing sustainable growth and resilient communities. Through several landmark sustainable finance initiatives in Bangladesh; as well as extensive impact through Community Initiatives in the areas of environment, agriculture, health and by equipping the youth with education, employable skills and entrepreneurship development; the Bank continues to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a resilient and climate-secure future for Bangladesh. As Bangladesh’s long-term partner in progress, Standard Chartered has been deeply embedded in the nation’s growth story for over 120 years.