Standard Chartered Bank

150 Years in India

Standard Chartered Bank, India’s first and largest international bank, marked 150 years of its operations in the country, reflecting a long and distinguished association with India’s financial and commercial development. Originally established as The Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, the bank opened its first branch in Kolkata in April 1858. Within five days, it commenced operations in Mumbai, laying the foundation for a legacy that continues to this day.

Dharohar Bhawan – An Architectural Landmark

The historic Chartered Bank building in Mumbai, popularly known as Dharohar Bhawan, stands as a testimony to the city’s colonial-era architectural grandeur. Designed by the renowned 19th-century architect Frederick William Stevens, the building reflects the Italianate neo-classical style. It remains one of only two such buildings in India executed in this distinctive architectural form—the other being the Chartered Bank building in Kolkata. Situated in one of Mumbai’s most prosperous districts, the structure is both a financial and architectural landmark.

Growth and Global Expansion

The new millennium marked a transformative phase for Standard Chartered Bank with two of the largest acquisitions in its history: the purchase of Grindlays Bank from ANZ Group and the acquisition of American Express Bank’s operations in several markets. These strategic expansions reinforced the Bank’s commitment to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Today, Standard Chartered is one of the world’s leading banking institutions, employing around 75,000 staff members representing 115 nationalities. Its strength lies in its diverse workforce, broad range of financial products and services, and balanced global approach.

Leadership in Indian Banking

In India, Standard Chartered operates as the country’s largest international bank, with 90 branches and 234 ATMs across 33 cities, employing approximately 19,000 people. Over the decades, the Bank has introduced several industry-first innovations, including India’s first Global Credit Card, the first Photo Card, and the first Picture Card—setting benchmarks in customer-focused banking services.

Commitment to Community Development

For over 150 years, Standard Chartered has contributed significantly to community development in India, focusing on health, education, and environmental initiatives. The globally renowned Standard Chartered Marathons have become major community events aimed at generating social awareness and support.

In 2003, the Bank launched the ‘Seeing is Believing’ initiative to combat avoidable blindness. This programme has benefitted over 1.79 million people in India alone. In its current phase, it aims to invest US$ 20 million to develop sustainable eye-care services in underprivileged areas across 20 cities, including projects in New Delhi and Hyderabad, with plans for Mumbai and Kolkata.

Additionally, the Bank introduced ‘Living with HIV’, a workplace education programme designed to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

To commemorate 150 years of distinguished service in India and to honour the architectural and historical significance of Dharohar Bhawan, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on Dharohar Bhawan – Standard Chartered Bank, celebrating its enduring contribution to India’s banking and social landscape.