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BIZ GUEST

% The iconic Standard Chartered
Marathon will arrive in Vietnam for
the first time shortly, with the bank
announcing its sponsorship of the Hanoi
Marathon Heritage Race, starting from
2024. Can you tell us why Standard
Chartered decided to sponsor the race?
We are very proud to be the title sponsor
of the first edition of the iconic Standard PHOTOS: STANDARD CHARTERED BANK VIETNAM
Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race,
an event that celebrates the richness of
culture and heritage that resonates with
Standard Chartered as one of the oldest
international banks in Vietnam. Lever-
aging the expertise from our Standard
Chartered Marathon franchise, we aim
to bring the best of traditions and modern is part of our strong commitment to meeting Our commitment to excellence is exem-
race technology to elevate the experience clients’ rising sustainability aspirations plified through securing a series of pres-
for all. The Standard Chartered Hanoi with innovative sustainable finance solu- tigious awards. We have been named “Best
Marathon Heritage Race will be a race tions. We are dedicated to contributing to Foreign Bank in Vietnam” for three con-
for everyone, bringing people from all the sustainable development of Vietnam secutive years and “Best Digital Bank in
walks of life together to stay active and and continue working closely with our Vietnam” for the second year by Global
lead a healthy lifestyle while binding our clients and stakeholders to provide finance Business Review. Being named “Best Retail
community through the shared values of to where it matters most. Bank” by Retail Banker International and
resilience and determination. Additionally, activities are supported “Best Foreign SME Bank in Vietnam” by
Vietnam is a key market in our global where the use of proceeds is aimed at Global Business Outlook in 2023 continued
footprint. We continue to invest more in enabling access to finance, for example to strengthen our capabilities in serving
the country to better serve our clients, col- micro-financing for vulnerable populations the evolving needs of clients with cut-
leagues, and the community. Being a title or large projects such as constructing ting-edge technology, digitalization, and
sponsor of a prestigious marque event here and/or operating hospitals, clinics, and innovation in the provision of banking
reinforces our commitment. We are here healthcare centers and educational insti- services. Our Corporate, Commercial and
for the long run. We are here for good. tutions. The framework excludes busi- Institutional Banking (CCIB) business
nesses involved in activities that negatively continues to support local companies to
% What are the bank’s plans to promote impact human rights, such as forced labor, drive commerce and prosperity and expand
sustainable development and the appli- child labor, or conflict minerals. internationally. The recognition from The
cation of ESG in businesses? For clients who fall short of the expected Asset for excellence in Fund administration
Accessing finance from international standards or demonstrate limited under- and Custody services, and Consistent
credit institutions for green finance must standing of environmental and social risks, Excellence in 2023 in the Global Custodian
follow strict and comprehensive evaluations we provide support through a team of Agent Bank Survey for Vietnam reflects
and approval criteria. This is primarily E&S specialists. If the client is willing to the bank’s dedication to delivering the
Environmental and Social Risk Assessment commit to change, we can help define best banking solutions and services to
(ESRA) due diligence and alignment with improvement targets and ultimately access clients and our commitment to excellence
the Green and Sustainable Finance Product to green finance. in the industry.
Framework. At Standard Chartered, we Additionally, we strive to build a diverse
work with clients to be able to structure % How do you view Standard Chartered and inclusive working environment where
the business or future products to be “green- Bank Vietnam’s business operations so everyone feels proud of working for Stan-
able” in referencing these frameworks. This far in 2023? dard Chartered and comfortable in bring-
ing their true selves to work, excelling to
their full potential and ultimately providing
the best products and services to our
clients. Standard Chartered Vietnam has
been certified as a Great Place to Work
by Great Place to Work® - the global
authority on workplace culture - and has
achieved prestigious certification in equity,
diversity, and gender equality (EDGE)
with the highest LEAD level across all
industries, reinforcing our dedication to
driving gender equality and equal oppor-
tunity and fostering an inclusive workplace
culture in Vietnam.
Overall, I would say that while we have
posted good results, we will continue to
strive to be better, as this is important for
our clients, partners, alliances, and the
community we serve. %

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