Standard Chartered's new branch strategy: fewer, bigger, better
Standard Chartered isn't adding more branches—it's keeping its count at 100 and focusing on bigger, better locations in cities like Kolkata and Chennai.
CEO PD Singh says digital banking is making physical branches less essential, so the ones that remain will be larger format branches designed to satisfy customer requirements in key locations.
Priority banking centers to triple
The bank's ramping up its premium game: priority banking centers will jump from 7 to 21 by the end of 2025, aiming to serve affluent and globally-minded Indians.
Plus, starting October 7, you'll see new dollar clearing services at GIFT City—handy if you're into cross-border transactions.
Corporate loans and wealth management expansion
Standard Chartered is targeting a solid 10% boost in corporate loans by fiscal 2026, especially for big infrastructure projects.
They're also hiring more relationship managers (going from 400 to 520) and expanding wealth management beyond just metro cities—think Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur.
So if you're looking for upgraded financial services or career opportunities in banking, keep an eye out.