The New Nation - Internet Edition

BUSINESS REPORT

Standard Chartered Wholesale Banking has won a number of awards from Euromoney at this year's Awards for Excellence. The Bank was named:

* Best Private Bank (global award)

* Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Africa

* Best Cash Management Bank in the Middle East

* Best Debt House in the UAE

* Best Debt House in Kuwait

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are given to banks which set the standard of excellence for their high quality products and services across all areas of investment and commercial banking. These awards for world class banking recognise outstanding performance, top quality service, strong business momentum and innovative products.

On winning Best Private Bank

Peter Flavel, Global Head of The Standard Chartered Private Bank, said: "We are excited with this win, and we're excited by the future for private banking at Standard Chartered. The award recognises our strong performance over the past 12 months. It also supports the powerful combination of Standard Chartered's growth market network with the newly integrated platform capabilities of American Express Private Bank (AEB).

The Standard Chartered Private Bank launched in 11 markets across five weeks in 2007, a speed and scale unprecedented in the private banking world. With AEB, the Private Bank tripled its distribution strength to 33 offices with over US$40 billion Assets Under Management in under 12 months.

With strong credit ratings and a 150-year history, Standard Chartered is a strong and stable partner to private bank clients throughout every stage of their financial life."

On winning Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Africa

Richard Leighton, Global Head of Foreign Exchange, said: "This award is a validation of the success and strong performance of Standard Chartered's FX business in Africa. Standard Chartered plays a leading role in providing risk management and FX services to African companies."

On winning Best Cash Management Bank in the Middle East

Chris Furness, Global Head of Cash Management, is delighted with the recognition of the Bank's cash management capabilities in the Middle East. "Standard Chartered Bank has a long history and deep commitment to the development of business in Middle East. This award demonstrates that commitment as well as the passion and knowledge that our teams bring to clients in addressing and improving their working capital requirements."

On winning Best Debt House in the UAE and Kuwait

Gilles Franck, Head for Capital Markets, Middle East, Pakistan and South Asia said: "Standard Chartered has established a leadership position in the UAE and Kuwait capital markets.

We have built upon extensive experience capabilities in structuring, underwriting and distributing innovative financing solutions for clients. Standard Chartered's unique client partnerships have generated many industry firsts and we are proud that these developments have been recognised."