Standard Chartered is selling its Bahrain retail bank and doubling down on the Gulf’s wealthy

Standard Chartered has announced its intention to explore the sale of its Wealth & Retail Banking business in Bahrain, as the group further sharpens its focus on businesses and client segments where it has the greatest scale and most differentiated client proposition.

The announcement does not affect the bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking business, which will continue to operate in Bahrain. Standard Chartered describes the CIB franchise as a “super-connector” through its international network, cross-border capabilities, and sector expertise.

The move aligns with the group’s strategic focus on cross-border and affluent clients, as reaffirmed at its FY2025 results. Any potential transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.

Bongiwe Gangeni, Head of Wealth & Retail Banking, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Standard Chartered, said the bank will continue investing across the Middle East in response to strong client demand and long-term regional opportunity.

“As we sharpen focus on where we have scale and the most distinctive client proposition, we will invest further in response to strong client demand and long-term opportunity across the Middle East, with deep connections across the region and its global corridors,” Gangeni said.

She added that the transition is expected to be phased over 18 to 24 months, subject to regulatory approvals, with the business continuing to operate on a business-as-usual basis throughout.

“We will work closely with colleagues, clients, regulators and other stakeholders to ensure an orderly transition and minimal disruption,” she said.

Standard Chartered said it sees significant long-term opportunity across the Middle East and remains committed to investing in areas where it has the greatest scale and most differentiated client proposition. The group will continue to support clients across the region through its international network, Corporate and Investment Banking franchise, Affluent Wealth Management capabilities, and Islamic banking offering.