After 150 years of unbroken history in both China and India, Standard Chartered has decided to take a new step into uncharted territory by opening a branch in Paris. The bank says that around 10% of its European client revenue stems from French corporates and financial institutions and it believes the new branch will help French firms looking to capitalise on huge investment flows the banks see between its key markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The team in Paris will be led by Raoul Leblanc. “Closer proximity to our clients in Paris will allow us to provide them with greater accessibility to the markets they want to do business in. French trade with emerging markets is soaring and becoming increasingly important. We are an ideal partner for French corporations who are looking to capitalize on emerging market opportunities,” he says.