StanChart celebrates 120 years of operations in Bangladesh

Standard Chartered Bank recently marked an important milestone, celebrating 120 years of operations in Bangladesh.

Bill Winters, visiting group chief executive of Standard Chartered PLC, attended the celebrations in the capital, according to a press release.

Bill's visit to Bangladesh, one of the bank's key markets in Asia, highlighted Standard Chartered's long-standing commitment to the country's economic growth and its role as a partner in the nation's sustainable development.

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 ongoing progress.

He reiterated the bank's objective to further drive the country's growth potential by leveraging its international network and global expertise.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "Standard Chartered is proud to have been a partner in Bangladesh's progress 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," he added.

Since its establishment 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 the country's financial landscape.

It has also pioneered the development of financial tools, with first-in-market deals, including the first commodity derivative, first interest rate derivative, first metal derivative, and more, constantly innovating to meet the nation's growing needs.

Over the past 120 years, the bank has made significant contributions to the nation's infrastructure and trade development. It has supported the country's economic growth by financing critical sectors such as power, energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, aviation, manufacturing, and ready-made garments.

As a partner in Bangladesh's progress, Standard Chartered has achieved many milestones, including facilitating the largest foreign direct investment in the country, enabling Bangladesh's first greenfield investment abroad, and supporting the first cross-border acquisition by a Bangladeshi company.