Standard Chartered has completed the roll-out of its integrated custody platform across its network of 18 markets in Africa. With the platform in place, it now operates a single custody platform across 32 of its 40 footprint markets in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

 

The real-time platform provides the banks’ clients with an enhanced, consistent experience throughout the securities settlement lifecycle across all markets, and helps the its clients navigate through market specific complexities so they can focus on their growth agenda.

 

It also offers a greater range of features tailored to client preferences, such as consolidated reporting and delivery via a SWIFT-compliant format or automated faxes and emails. Its sophisticated transaction life cycle management module is designed to validate and auto-enrich client instructions, improving straight-through-processing rates and downstream operational efficiency.

 

Alan Naughton, head of securities services and corporate agency and trust, transaction banking, Standard Chartered, commented, “Implementing our new core custody platform across Africa is an integral part of our strategic focus to provide world-class securities services for investors and intermediaries in one of our fastest growing regions. Our core custody engine provides a scalable, real-time and straight-through infrastructure to support our clients as they continue to increase their investments in Africa and other emerging markets across our footprint. By delivering sophisticated capabilities and deploying global best practices, we empower our clients to manage their operational risks, optimize their post trade efficiency and simplify their access to complex markets through flexible servicing models.”