Standard Chartered opens capital's first SME banking centre

This latest addition adds to the Bank's existing sales and service centres currently based in Dubai.

"We have identified the SME market as a continuous growth sector in the UAE and as a result have experienced phenomenal growth of over 400% in under three years," said Sandeep Bose, Regional Head of SME Banking for the Middle East and South Asia. "We recently opened Dubai's first dedicated SME Banking Centre in Jebel Ali and the opening of our new SME Centre in Abu Dhabi is in line with a well thought out expansion strategy in what is a very important market to us."

Managed by a team from 08.00 am to 5.00 pm 6 days a week, the Sales and Service Centre will provide SME customers information and advice from a dedicated team and offer access to a wide range of tailored products and services including 'Express Trade' the award-winning 'Straight2Bank' - an online platform for all business needs that can be accessed 24 hours a day.

The centre is also tailored to regular retail customers and will enable them to apply for credit cards, loans, new accounts, enquire about the broad range of Standard Chartered services and provide around-the-clock access to an ATMs and Cash Deposit Machine (CDM). The placement of these ATMs now increases the Bank's ATM network to over 100 in the UAE, with significant and strategic additions to follow in early 2008.

"Mussafah, one of the key commercial areas of Abu Dhabi, was first choice when selecting the most strategic location for our new Sales and Service Centre," said Owen Belman, Head of Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered, for the UAE and Oman. "Being present in this location will ensure that we are well positioned to meet the needs of a large number of customers when they need us."

"We strongly believe that offering innovative services and providing easy and well-located banking access for our customers makes us stand out from other regional competitors, and will assist in leading the way for us to become the international bank of choice." Belman concluded.

Commenting on the new Centre, Jeremy Parrish, CEO, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Standard Chartered Bank said that Mussafah formed an integral part of the Bank's long-term growth strategy, "At Standard Chartered in Abu Dhabi, we are focused on a strong growth strategy that leverages our SME and Wealth Management portfolios. Mussafah clearly brings us closer to our customers in both segments and signifies the Bank's commitment to Abu Dhabi."