Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered has a history of over 150 years in banking and is present in many of the world's fastest-growing markets.
Website: www.standardchartered.com
About Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered PLC is a financial institution based in London, UK that has operated for over 150 years. The group employs 75,000 people, representing 115 nationalities, in more than 1,750 branches and outlets located in over 70 countries, including Asia, Africa and the Middle East. 2007 operating income was US$11 billion and total assets were US$329 billion.
Focus on Women's Empowerment
The Bank employs approximately 75,000 people, almost half of whom are women, representing 125 nationalities worldwide. Diversity lies at the heart of the Bank's values and is a distinctive element of its brand. Standard Chartered's ambition is to lead the way through diversity and inclusion, supporting its employees, customers and communities across over 70 markets. Within the workplace, Standard Chartered's aim is to ensure that its employees are representative of the Bank's markets and client profile. The Bank also strives to create an inclusive environment for all employees and to improve the work-life balance of its people. This approach helps attract, retain and develop the best talent, getting the best out of the broadest spectrum of people in order to sustain strong business performance.
Standard Chartered believes that its inclusive approach will enable it to understand and serve all its stakeholders better. Many of the Bank's products and services are reflective of the society and customer base that it supports and a number of specific initiatives are underway to enhance this position. For example, the Bank offers the 'Diva' account and credit card, 'Orjon' business installment loan for female entrepreneurs, all-women branches and private banking centres specifically for women. At the wholesale banking level, the Bank pledged to provide US$500 million to microfinance institutions by 2011 and has already exceeded the initial target, with 80% of end users being women. Standard Chartered has also facilitated numerous networking opportunities for female customers, including the 2009 Global Banking Alliance Summit and the Standard Chartered Women in Business Summit, held in Singapore in October 2009 with 120 female business leaders from across 30 markets.
Addressing longer-term challenges such as gender diversity is key to economic development and growth. In the community, the Bank's focus is on supporting financial empowerment. In 2008, Standard Chartered announced a Clinton Global Initiative commitment and is providing financial literacy training to at least 5,000 women across Asia. As part of that goal, the Standard Chartered Women in Business Resource Centre was launched in eight languages. It offers basic educational modules and practical exercises that are particularly relevant to women who are starting and growing SMEs, including, for example, guidelines on business planning, leadership skills and growth. The Bank is also expanding its own work with Goal – an innovative programme which uses sport and education courses to build self-esteem, confidence as well as skills and knowledge among young women.
Standard Chartered