First SCB Platinum MasterCard Credit Card to Target High Net Worth Clientele

Dubai, 13 November 2007, - Standard Chartered, one of the UAE's leading international banks, in association with MasterCard Worldwide, has today launched the first SCB Platinum MasterCard credit card, targeting the high net worth clientele in the country. The Standard Chartered Platinum MasterCard credit card incorporates market-leading national and international travel benefits, with a tiered earning rewards scheme and unique lifestyle privileges.

"The new SCB Platinum MasterCard credit card is in-line with our ongoing drive to consistently deliver premium services to our valued customers," said Owen Belman, Head of Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered for the UAE and Oman.

Mr Belman continued, "The SCB Platinum MasterCard credit card is designed to fulfil the unique needs of the high income earners in the UAE, which is now recognised as having one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with one of the highest GDP per capita. The SCB Platinum MasterCard credit cardholders will reap the benefits of numerous privileges and awards, tailored specifically for their platinum lifestyles."

The SCB Platinum MasterCard credit card features and benefits are designed to provide greater convenience to the rapidly growing high net worth sector. SCB Platinum MasterCard credit cardholders will be able to enjoy numerous privileges and premium incentives such as preferential rates at international hotel chains, worldwide golf green-fees discounts and access to spas and wellness centres worldwide.

"The SCB Platinum MasterCard credit card includes a leading comprehensive travel insurance package, offering the highest emergency medical expense coverage in the market and personal legal liability cover up to $1 million," continued Mr Belman.

Moreover, Standard Chartered Bank has also identified 'travel' as a key motivator for the high net worth individual segment, resulting in a plethora of targeted benefits designed to maximise and maintain the high-calibre lifestyle customers attracted to this credit card.

"The SCB Platinum MasterCard credit card offers cardholders exclusive access at over 500 airport lounges worldwide. In addition, a redemption facility for Asia Miles™ is provided as part of the Standard Chartered Platinum MasterCard credit card package, enabling customers to redeem free airline tickets from any 'One World' Alliance member - British Airways, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, and Gulf Air," Belman added.

In addition to the above mentioned benefits, SCB customers signing up for the Standard Chartered Platinum MasterCard credit card will receive a choice of a welcome gift voucher from Dunhill and NikeGolf.

"With the introduction of our new SCB Platinum MasterCard credit card to our existing strong credit card range, we ensure customers from all market segments are provided with products and services that meet their needs. Our sustained growth in this sector has been consistently achieved through our continued commitment to delivering exceptional services and added value." concluded Belman.

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Notes to Editors
Standard Chartered - leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is consistently ranked in the top 25 among FTSE-100 companies by market capitalisation.

Standard Chartered has a history of over 150 years in banking and operates in many of the world's fastest-growing markets with an extensive global network of over 1,400 branches (including subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures) in over 50 countries in the Asia Pacific Region, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the United Kingdom and the Americas.

As one of the world's most international banks, Standard Chartered employs almost 60,000 people, representing over 100 nationalities, worldwide. This diversity lies at the heart of the Bank's values and supports the Bank's growth as the world increasingly becomes one market.

With strong organic growth supported by strategic alliances and acquisitions and driven by its strengths in the balance and diversity of its business, products, geography and people, Standard Chartered is well positioned in the emerging trade corridors of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Standard Chartered derives over 90 per cent of profits from Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Serving both Consumer and Wholesale Banking customers worldwide, the Bank combines deep local knowledge with global capability to offer a wide range of innovative products and services as well as award-winning solutions.

Trusted across its network for its standard of governance and corporate responsibility, Standard Chartered takes a long term view of the consequences of its actions to ensure that the Bank builds a sustainable business through social inclusion, environmental protection and good governance.

Standard Chartered is also committed to all its stakeholders by living its values in its approach towards managing its people, exceeding expectations of its customers, making a difference in communities and working with regulators.

For more information on Standard Chartered, please log on to www.standardchartered.com

For further information please contact:
Patricia Bentham
Head of Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered Bank, UAE
Tel: +971 (0) 4 5070548
Fax: +971 (0) 4 3594174
Mobile: +971 (50) 3174665
Email: Patricia.Bentham@ae.standardchartered.com

© Press Release 2007