Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh is considering restructuring its retail banking operations, with BRAC Bank and City Bank holding preliminary discussions over a possible acquisition of the business. No final decision has been reached and no formal agreement has been signed, according to people familiar with the matter.
The international bank has been exploring the possibility of winding down its retail banking operations in Bangladesh or transferring the business to another financial institution. The initial discussions with BRAC Bank and City Bank are understood to be part of that process, although the talks remain at an early stage.
BRAC Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tarek Refat Ullah Khan confirmed that preliminary discussions had taken place over the possibility of taking over Standard Chartered’s retail operations. He said there had been no further progress on the matter so far.
A senior City Bank official also confirmed that an informal meeting with Standard Chartered Bangladesh had taken place around one and a half months ago. According to the official, both BRAC Bank and City Bank were being considered as potential buyers because of their established market presence and reputation in Bangladesh’s banking sector.
Any acquisition would involve a detailed assessment before it could move forward. The parties would need to determine the value of the business, conduct audits and due diligence, and examine its assets, liabilities and other financial obligations. Approval from the relevant regulatory authorities would also be required.
Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said the central bank was aware of Standard Chartered’s plans, but no decision had been taken. He said the bank, as an international financial institution, could make business decisions in line with its global strategy.
The treatment of employees would also be an important consideration if the retail operation is eventually transferred or wound down. Bangladesh Bank expects Standard Chartered to follow the relevant rules and regulations concerning its employees. The central bank has also stressed the need to avoid sudden job losses that could create labour unrest.
The possible restructuring comes as Standard Chartered’s retail lending business has recorded relatively modest growth compared with its corporate lending portfolio. According to the bank’s financial statements, consumer and SME loans stood at Tk 7,333 crore in 2020. By 2025, the figure had increased to Tk 8,087 crore, representing growth of roughly 10 per cent over the period.
Corporate lending expanded at a considerably faster pace. Standard Chartered’s corporate loans rose from Tk 14,290 crore in 2020 to Tk 22,337 crore in 2025, an increase of around 56 per cent. The figures underline the growing significance of corporate and institutional banking within the bank’s Bangladesh operations.
Standard Chartered Bangladesh remained highly profitable during the period under review. Its post-tax net profit stood at Tk 3,219 crore in 2025, compared with Tk 3,300 crore in 2024.
The two banks involved in the preliminary discussions have also recorded strong financial performances. City Bank reported a record profit of Tk 1,324 crore in 2025, while BRAC Bank’s profit exceeded Tk 2,000 crore during the same year. Their financial strength and established customer bases could be relevant if either institution eventually seeks to take over Standard Chartered’s retail portfolio.
Standard Chartered has maintained a presence in Bangladesh for more than 120 years. Its first branch in the country was opened in Chattogram in 1905. The bank currently operates 18 branches in major economic centres across Bangladesh.
A possible withdrawal from retail banking does not mean that Standard Chartered is preparing to leave Bangladesh altogether. The bank is expected to continue its corporate and institutional banking operations, which remain an important part of its business in the country.
The potential change is also linked to Standard Chartered’s broader approach to its international operations. Bitopi Das Chowdhury, country head of corporate affairs and brand and marketing at Standard Chartered Bangladesh, has said the group regularly reviews the effectiveness of its global business model and allocates resources to areas where it can serve customers more effectively.
The development comes after another international bank, HSBC, announced in July 2025 that it would gradually withdraw from retail banking in Bangladesh. That decision had already prompted discussion about the changing strategies of foreign banks operating in the country’s retail banking market.
Standard Chartered’s possible move has added to that discussion. Yet the outcome remains uncertain. Whether BRAC Bank or City Bank eventually acquires the retail business will depend on factors including valuation, due diligence, regulatory approval and the outcome of negotiations between the institutions.
