Standard Chartered sets out climate lending targets, shares in focus for strategy and sector role

By Thomas Klein, Operations & Strategy desk. Reviewed prior to publication on 2026-06-27, 12:46.

Standard Chartered (GB0004082847) continues to present itself as a UK-headquartered emerging markets bank with a strong footprint in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The group links a growing share of its loan book and balance sheet to climate and sustainable finance objectives, according to its recent sustainability reporting.

How Standard Chartered positions itself

Standard Chartered is listed in London and Hong Kong and competes with UK peers such as HSBC and Barclays in corporate and institutional banking across more than 50 markets. In its last annual reporting package, the bank highlighted a focus on trade finance, cash management and wealth management for clients in high-growth regions.

Management continues to frame the bank as a bridge for capital between developed markets and emerging economies, with a stated emphasis on risk management, capital discipline and a progressive dividend over the cycle.

Climate and sustainable finance targets

The group has set a target to mobilise USD 300 billion in green and transition finance between 2021 and 2030, including lending, underwriting and facilitation activities, as outlined in its latest climate and sustainability disclosures. It has also adopted sector-specific decarbonisation pathways for high-emitting industries such as power, oil and gas and mining.

Standard Chartered reports that it aims to align its financed emissions with a 1.5°C temperature pathway and has committed to net-zero financed emissions by 2050, with an interim goal of net-zero operations by 2025. The bank uses a mix of absolute emissions reductions and emissions intensity metrics to monitor progress.

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The business model and regions

Standard Chartered divides its activities into three main client segments: Corporate & Investment Banking, Consumer, Private & Business Banking and Ventures. The bank’s geographic exposure is concentrated in Asia, with significant operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, India and the UAE.

In addition to traditional lending, the bank earns fees from trade-related services, transaction banking and wealth products, which are important for return on equity in a higher capital requirement environment.

The product behind the stock

Among its core offerings, Standard Chartered provides structured trade finance solutions that support importers and exporters with working capital, risk mitigation and cross-border payment services. These products are designed for corporates active along global supply chains in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Where the stock trades today

The Standard Chartered shares (GB0004082847) trade primarily on the London Stock Exchange in pounds sterling and on HKEX in Hong Kong dollars; the latest live-verified price and timestamp are provided by the respective exchanges.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, investment recommendation or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. Investors should conduct their own research and consider seeking independent financial advice.