The Chartered Bank opened its first overseas branch in India, at Kolkata, on 12 April 1858.  Eight years later the Kolkata agent described the Bank's credit locally as splendid and its business as flourishing, particularly the substantial turnover in rice bills with the leading Arab firms. 

When The Chartered Bank first established itself in India, Kolkata was the most important commercial city, and was the centre of the jute and indigo trades.  With the growth of the cotton trade and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Bombay took over from Kolkata as India's main trade centre.  Today the Bank's branches and sub-branches in India are directed and administered from Mumbai (Bombay) with Kolkata remaining an important trading and banking centre.

This site is designed for journalists and members of the media. If you are a reporter and need your local press office contact please refer to the media contacts list.

At this site you can access current as well as archived press releases from our head office and business units. The about us section will contain more information on the Bank's background and activities.

Do also take a chance to visit our page on our management which introduces you to the leadership at Standard Chartered.