DFM signs Depository Participant Agreement with Standard Chartered

Notes and media contacts

About Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered PLC, listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ranks among the top 25 companies in the FTSE-100 by market capitalisation. The London-headquartered group has operated for over 150 years in some of the world's most dynamic markets, leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its income and the number of employees have more than doubled over the last five years primarily as a result of organic growth and supplemented by acquisitions.

Standard Chartered aspires to be the best international bank in its markets by being the right partner for its stakeholders and leading by example. The group now employs over 60,000 people, representing some 100 nationalities, in more than 1,400 branches located in over 50 countries. The bank generates more than 90 per cent of its profits from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with balanced income derived from both Wholesale and Consumer Banking.
The group is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity.

Transaction Banking
As part of the Bank's Wholesale Banking business for Corporates and Institutions, Transaction Banking provides Cash Management, Securities Services and Trade Services to clients for and in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The business provides a full suite of transactional products and also serves as a bridge to these markets for clients from the U.S and Europe. A leading provider of Transaction Banking services, some highlights of the Bank's external recognition are as follows:
• Top 4 Cash Management Bank globally in Euromoney's Cash Management Poll
• Top-Rated Sub-Custodian by Global Custodian magazine
• Best Structured Trade Finance Bank by The Asset magazine
• Best Bank for Liquidity Management in Africa by Global Finance

For more information, please visit: www.standardchartered.com

About Dubai Financial Market
Dubai Financial Market was established as a public institution having its own independent corporate body. DFM is operating as a secondary market for trading of securities issued by public shareholding companies, bonds issued by the Federal Government or any of the Local Governments and public institutions in the country, units of investment funds and any other financial instruments, local or foreign, which are accepted by the Market. The Market commenced operations on 26th March 2000.

For further information, please contact:
Tarek Fleihan
Mobile: (+97150) 5198511
ASDA'A Public Relations
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971-4-3355969

Patricia Bentham
Head of Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered Bank, UAE and Oman
Tel: +971 (0) 4 508 2772
Fax: +971 (0) 4 369 6929