03 March 2008, U.A.E - Standard Chartered, a leading international bank in the UAE, launches its first business credit card in the UAE primarily targeted at the SME segment. The 'Gold Business Credit Card', co-branded with Singapore Airlines, delivers superior business-centric benefits such as automatic membership to KrisFlyer - the award-winning loyalty programme of Singapore Airlines, the flexibility to convert Business Rewards from the credit card to KrisFlyer miles, preferential rates and offers from leading international hotels and discounts on office supplies, equipment and courier services. 

"Through extensive research, listening to the needs of entrepreneurs in the UAE and by leveraging a global relationship with Singapore Airlines, we have developed a highly anticipated Business Credit Card," said Chris De Bruin, Head of Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered for the UAE. "Our Business Credit Card is aligned with our ongoing drive to deliver first-class services to all our valued customers above and beyond their stated needs."

Both the UAE and Singapore economies are experiencing strong growth in the SME sector and an increase in trade-related travel between the two countries. The affiliation with Singapore Airlines will provide those who acquire the card a best-in-class travel experience as well the benefit of receiving a free return ticket from Dubai to Singapore compliments of the Bank. Card members can also benefit from an exclusive invitation to the Platinum Tier membership of Best Western Hotels - a global hotel chain with over 4100 hotels across Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America.

Other business centric offers include 20 per cent discount on standard business couriers from DHL, a 20 per cent discount voucher on office supplies from Emirates Trading Establishment, 15 per cent on any Xerox product from the business range, up to 12 per cent discount on printers from CADD Emirates and up to 40 per cent discount on Thrifty car rentals in the UAE.

"With the introduction of this Credit Card, we strengthen our existing Credit Card range including our recently introduced Platinum Credit Card and our 'Saadiq' Islamic Credit Card," continued Mr De Bruin. "

Farhad Irani, Global Head of Credit Cards & Personal Loans, added, "We firmly believe in providing all customer segments a tailored product that meets their exact needs. Our sustained growth in the UAE and around the globe has been achieved through our continued commitment to delivering exceptional service and added value."

-Ends-

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

Standard Chartered PLC, listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ranks among the top 25 companies in the FTSE-100 by market capitalisation. The London-headquartered group has operated for over 150 years in some of the world's most dynamic markets, leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  Its income and the number of employees have more than doubled over the last five years primarily as a result of organic growth and supplemented by acquisitions.

Standard Chartered aspires to be the best international bank in its markets by being the right partner for its stakeholders and leading by example. The group now employs over 60,000 people, representing some 100 nationalities, in more than 1,400 branches located in over 50 countries.  The bank generates more than 90 per cent of its profits from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with balanced income derived from both Wholesale and Consumer Banking.

The group is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity.

For more information, please visit: www.standardchartered.com

For further information please contact:
Patricia Bentham
Head of Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered Bank, UAE
Tel: +971 (0) 4 508 2772
Fax: +971 (0) 4 359 4174
Mobile: +971 (50) 654 8287
Email: Patricia.Bentham@ae.standardchartered.com 

© Press Release 2008