Standard Chartered announces new appointment to its regional team

David has extensive industry and client relationship experience having predominantly built his career in the wealth management business.

'The development of our private banking business forms an important aspect of our Consumer Banking business and we are delighted to welcome David on board' said Chris de Bruin, Head of Consumer Banking at Standard Chartered Bank.

Recently the Bank announced that that it will hire another 100 Relationship Managers globally across its network within the next 12 months, to further accelerate its operations in its fast-growing markets. Chris elaborated 'The Standard Chartered Private Bank business model differs from most in that it is deliberately not a standalone 'monoline' business but rather integrated into the Group's businesses. As we're seeing a continuing increase in client demand for our private banking services, we will continue to invest in attracting talent to further strengthen our proposition.'

The Private Bank currently has 350 Relationship Managers globally and the new hires are to support planned expansion in its key markets in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, in response to increasing demand from high net worth individuals for Standard Chartered's private wealth management services

Prior to joining Standard Chartered, David held various positions at Barclays, which he joined as an international graduate in 1986. Over the last fifteen years he was instrumental in the development of the private client business, and was the first representative of Barclays Wealth in the UAE where he led much of the growth of the business.

David grew up and was educated in the UK, at Stockport Grammar School and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and is a graduate from the Accelerated Development Programme of London Business School.

Also recently appointed at Standard Chartered Bank was Farooq Siddiqi as Managing Director & Regional Head of Transaction Banking for the Middle East and North Africa region. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Farooq steps into this role after previously running the Bank's Transaction Banking Business for the UAE. He has over 17 years of corporate banking experience and began his career with Standard Chartered Bank, India, in 2001.

Commenting on his role, Farooq said

'Transaction banking is a core revenue contributor for Standard Chartered's Wholesale Banking business and we expect to see strong growth in the business going forward. With our leading capabilities in offering a full suite of innovative working capital solutions, extensive networks and deep local operating knowledge, this is a great opportunity for me to be a part of the Transaction Banking team for the MENA region.'

Prior to moving to Dubai in late 2007, Farooq was based in Singapore where he helped launch the Supply Chain Financing Initiative with a particular focus on the Bank's key markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.