Standard Chartered opens first dedicated Priority Banking Centre

Officially inaugurated by His Excellency Abdullha Al Salah, Under Secretary of Ministry of Economy, and Owen Belman, Head of Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered, UAE & Oman, the new branch serves to improve and expand consumer banking services for its Priority Banking customers.

"Market-leading consumer banking initiatives focused on innovative distribution channels are a fundamental part of Standard Chartered's vision of becoming the regional international bank of choice," said Belman.

"The opening of our first dedicated Priority Banking Centre reflects the growing worldwide trend in retail banking to create friendlier, more accessible and functional environments in which to bank."

Priority Banking services give high net-worth individuals the privileges of exclusive banking areas, together with a personal relationship manager and a host of value-added benefits.

The opening of the new Priority Banking centre marks the eleventh Standard Chartered branch throughout Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Northern Emirates, making it the largest operator of branches of any international bank in the UAE. The Bank's ATM network has also increased to 50 ATMs, up from 22 in 2006, with significant and strategic additions to follow within the next 12 months.

Managed by a dedicated team from 8am to 7pm on all working days, Saturday through to Thursday, the centre will allow Priority Banking customers access to a full range of services including cash transactions, account transfers, and subsidiary account openings. Standard Chartered have gone one step further and are also offering a valet parking service and complimentary Starbucks coffee to all its Priority customers.

"We firmly believe that offering innovative services, and providing easy and convenient banking access for our customers, makes us stand out from other competitors in the region," continued Belman, "We've worked to identify strategic locations to enhance our branch and ATM locations, to ensure we are where our customers need us to be, when they need us."

Standard Chartered has embarked on a dynamic expansion plan to increase its regional distribution footprint. Standard Chartered's commitment to the region has been further reinforced over the past 12 months with increased branches, the introduction of new distribution channels, conveniently located mini-branches and news sales & service centres focused on delivering ultimate banking access for all customers.