The first-ever visit of Standard Chartered group’s CEO Bill Winters to Vietnam last week highlighted the lender’s long-term commitment to the country, promising further investment to capture opportunities in the 90-million population market.

During his trip, Winters called upon senior Vietnamese government and business leaders to exchange views about Vietnam’s investment opportunities and economic potential. 

In addition, he was keen to find out how Standard Chartered can further contribute to the country’s growth and the development of its financial sector.

“Vietnam is an attractive emerging market driven by its young and dynamic population and increasing integration into the global economy. 

Being one of the oldest international banks in the country gives us deep local knowledge, which, combined with our excellent international expertise and network, puts us in an ideal position to facilitate Vietnam’s growth,” Winters said.

During his visit, the bank launched Standard Chartered Credit Cards in Vietnam. Winters also affirmed that the bank will continue to invest and drive trade, investment, and the creation of wealth in the country.

Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group, with a 150-year history in some of the world’s most dynamic markets. 

The bank opened its first Vietnamese branch in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1904 and set up its locally incorporated entity, Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) Ltd., in 2009. 

The Vietnamese subsidiary provides a full suite of banking products and services for corporations, financial institutions as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals.

Standard Chartered has been the sole Sovereign Credit Ratings Advisor to the Government of Vietnam since 2012. 

In this capacity, the Bank has been a trusted partner through a period of macroeconomic instability. 

Standard Chartered was named the ‘Best Foreign Bank in Vietnam” by the Global Banking & Finance Review in 2014 and 2015, and by Global Business Outlook in 2016.

VIR