Hong Kong has granted its first stablecoin issuer licences to HSBC and a consortium led by Standard Chartered, marking a significant step in the city's ambition to become a global digital asset hub.
Standard Chartered is reportedly weighing a partial takeover of Zodia Custody, a cryptocurrency custodian, signaling its continued interest in the digital asset sector.
Standard Chartered organized a sophisticated floral atelier session for a select group of affluent female clients, designed to celebrate women and provide an inspiring gathering.
Standard Chartered and BSI banks have lost a court bid in Singapore related to claims stemming from the 1MDB scandal, marking a development in the ongoing legal repercussions of the Malaysian state fund controversy.
Standard Chartered has predicted that oil prices will remain higher for longer, reinforcing expectations that oil stocks could see a significant windfall if crude prices stay elevated throughout the year.
Amidst escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, Standard Chartered clarified reports of a Dubai office evacuation, stating it extended existing work-from-home measures as a precaution. The bank emphasised its regional operations remain active. This comes as other financial institutions also implement safety protocols, highlighting Dubai's crucial role as a financial hub facing geopolitical risks.
Bakhtiyor Saidov has met with the CEO of Standard Chartered to discuss the financing of major projects in Uzbekistan, indicating efforts to secure international investment.
Standard Chartered predicts a substantial increase in demand for Treasury bills, projecting a surge to $1 trillion, which could impact global financial markets.
Standard Chartered forecasts that stablecoins are poised to accumulate $1 trillion in U.S. Treasury bills by the year 2028, indicating a significant shift in the financial landscape.
Standard Chartered has revised its Solana price target for 2026 downwards but maintains a bullish long-term outlook, predicting the cryptocurrency could reach $2,000 by 2030.
Rising demand for yuan settlement amid Middle East tensions is driving record transaction amounts in China’s cross-border payment system, analysts said, building on years of efforts to bolster financial infrastructure and expand its global network.
“The Middle East conflict may have acted as a catalyst,” said Ding Shuang, chief economist for Greater China and North Asia at Standard Chartered, citing rising demand for yuan settlement, particularly in oil trade.
China’s Cross-border Interbank...
Standard Chartered's Digital Assets Research Chief suggests that Ethereum could potentially reach $40,000, providing reasons for this optimistic price prediction.
A bold prediction by Standard Chartered that Bitcoin's price could reach $500,000 has been fact-checked, examining the feasibility of such an all-time high.
Standard Chartered's Chief of Artificial Intelligence is departing the company less than a year after taking on the role, prompting questions about the bank's AI strategy.
A Standard Chartered forum in Accra, Ghana, saw Gen Z and millennials actively leading discussions on artificial intelligence, highlighting the next generation's engagement with emerging technologies.
Standard Chartered Korea said Friday that senior executives from its parent organization, Standard Chartered, visited Seoul this week to hold a Group Management Team meeting and engage with employees and clients in Korea. The meeting took place from Monday to Wednesday at Standard Chartered Korea’s headquarters in Jongno, central Seoul. The visit included Standard Chartered Group CEO Bill Winters and other senior executives. Standard Chartered said its global leadership regularly holds managemen
G7 leaders have announced the record release of 400 million barrels of oil in response to the war in the Middle East. This represents about twenty days worth of usual oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, currently through dangerous to go through due to the threat of Iranian strikes. This initiative aims 'to calm markets down', as FRANCE 24's Philip Turle explains.
Standard Chartered plans to double the number of bankers in Singapore serving wealthy Chinese clients, an expansion that comes despite increased scrutiny of financial flows from China following high-profile money-laundering scandals.
Cheska Hull decided to call off her wedding and move to Phuket, Thailand with her son.
Provided by Cheska Hull
Cheska Hull left the UK for Thailand after calling off her engagement.
A networking connection in Phuket landed her a hotel PR job.
She says Phuket offers her the perfect blend of career and high quality of life for her and her son.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cheska Hull, 40, a British reality TV star and PR professional who relocated to Phuket. Her words have been edited for length and clarity.
My move to Phuket was about choosing a fabulous place to live while continuing my freelance career.
I feel like I've been part of the island's community for years. I'd visit annually for a couple of weeks at a time, maintain friendships, and get to know local business owners.
Every trip had me dreaming about potential jobs and interesting opportunities. I'm a PR specialist who has always worked in the luxury sector, across food, beverage, and hospitality. In London, I specialized in private members' clubs.
That work also led me into radio and television, where I starred in the reality show "Made in Chelsea" for nearly four years. It helped me understand the evolving world of influencers and celebrities. Having lived on both sides of the PR and fame spectrum, I gained a deep understanding of that industry.
Her life in London involved hosting A-list celebrities and attending big events.
Provided by Cheska Hull
I happened to be born in Thailand
My parents lived in Phuket in the 1980s, when my dad was head of Standard Chartered Bank for Phuket, which is why I was born here. We moved back to England when I was young.
Being born in Thailand didn't simplify moving back as an expat. I still had to go through all the same steps as everyone else.
Initially, I came on a DTV digital nomad visa while freelancing for my UK clients. I told all of them, "I want to live in Thailand. That's my dream."
I wanted the best of both worlds.
There were a few reasons for the move
I've always been drawn to the famous Thai "sabai sabai" — take-it-easy — lifestyle. But when it comes to business, I'm driven. I could never just move to Phuket and not work.
Even between projects, I was constantly networking, talking to people, and pushing for collaborations with brands I'd worked with before. Now, I get to do what I've always loved in a place I love.
My son was also at the right age for a big change. As a single mom, the stress came from knowing how significant the move was and wondering, "Have I made the right decision?" My main priority in life is his happiness.
If he hadn't been happy, I don't think we would have stayed. But he's 8, and he was able to fit in quickly — learning some Thai at school and thriving.
There was another catalyst, too. At the time, I was engaged to be married and realized that wasn't the path for me anymore. Once I called off the wedding, the door felt wide open.
Nothing was holding me back.
She says her 8-year-old son is learning Thai in school and was able to fit in quickly
Provided by Cheska Hull
Finding my career groove in Thailand
Browsing jobs in Phuket started as a guilty pleasure. Through meeting people and networking, someone told me about a new opening at Anantara, a hotel I already knew well. It seemed perfect. And so now, as cluster director of public relations, I have a work permit.
I've had to quickly learn Thai workplace customs, like addressing colleagues respectfully using "khun" before names or navigating the widespread use of nicknames. It's about understanding a different culture and being respectful within it.
One of my favorite rituals happens every Friday during my team's morning meeting. We go outside to a huge tree in front of the hotel with two spirit houses. We all take incense, make a prayer, and privately speak to the spirits. It's so different and unique, I find it special.
It's a meaningful part of their culture that I've come to love. I can't imagine trying to get everyone in London to do that, they'd laugh.
Cheska Hull decided to call off her wedding and move to Phuket, Thailand with her son.
Provided by Cheska Hull
Thailand is my long-term plan
There haven't been many hard parts to settling in. The main challenge of living on a small, seasonal island like Phuket is traffic. You get used to a calm pace, and then suddenly there's a massive influx of people. But that comes with the territory in hospitality and tourism, which is ultimately what we want here.
My move to Thailand is long-term. Looking back, there was an element of risk. I came with a bit of an "Eat, Pray, Love" vision. I knew I loved it here and wanted it to work, but I also told myself, "If it doesn't, you can just go back."
For me, the quality of life, the people, the food, the weather — just about everything about Phuket — makes it a place I want to call home forever. Island life simply couldn't be better right now.
Do you have a story to share about living abroad? Contact the editor at akarplus@businessinsider.com.
Read the original article on Business Insider
Reports indicate that Standard Chartered is contemplating a partial acquisition of Zodia Custody, a move that could impact the financial services and digital asset custody sectors.
Jan Metzger, formerly co-head of Asia investment banking at Citi, has reportedly departed the company and is now joining Standard Chartered, with Reuters also confirming the move.
Manpreet Gill, Chief Investment Officer for Africa, Middle East, and Europe at Standard Chartered Bank, provided an interview discussing the global market outlook for 2026, with a specific positive reference to Nigeria's investment outlook.
Standard Chartered has invested in the next generation by hosting a Youth Empowerment session at St. Louis SHS in Ghana, providing practical skills and guidance to senior high school finalists preparing for WASSCE examinations and their transition to the next phase of life.
Hana Financial Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Standard Chartered to expand cooperation in global business and digital assets, aiming to strengthen their international presence.
A new report indicates that HSBC and Standard Chartered are set to become the first financial institutions to be licensed as stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong, marking a significant development in the region's digital asset landscape.
Standard Chartered Bank Ghana has been named Best in Cash Management after receiving the Excellence in Cash Management Award at the Innovation & Excellence Awards held during the 25th edition of the Connected Banking Summit West Africa in Accra.
Hong Kong is reportedly preparing to issue its first stablecoin licences within two weeks, with HSBC and a Standard Chartered-led joint venture expected to be among the initial recipients.
As fears grow amid the Iran war, major financial institutions like Citi and Standard Chartered have evacuated their Dubai offices, while HSBC has closed branches in Qatar, further impacting the region's perception as a safe financial hub.
Standard Chartered has recorded a $10 million loss from the sale of its banking operations in Cameroon and the Gambia, as detailed in its 2025 financial report.
Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Plc hosted a Business roundtable in Accra to examine the evolution of Ghana’s capital markets, with discussions focusing on how digital assets are transitioning from retail-driven activity toward structured, bank-led infrastructure.