Standard Chartered empowers SMEs

Standard Chartered Bank reiterated its pledge to strengthen and empower Sri Lanka’s fast growing small and medium enterprises to realise aspirations for growth in local and international markets by conducting a trade workshop recently.

The workshop, which focused on international trade operations, trade training and factoring operations, was conducted by the bank’s own Janaka Serasinghe.

Serasinghe, Head of Trade Operations at Standard Chartered Bank, has more than 24 years of experience in trade services both in Sri Lanka and overseas. He is a certified documentary credit specialist (CDCS) from the International Chamber of Commerce, and holds a Diploma of Proficiency in International Factoring – Factors Chain International, Netherlands, as well as a BSC in Financial Services from the Institute of Financial Services (IFS), London.

Serasinghe drew from his professional expertise as well as hands on experience in senior positions to bring some excellent insights to his audience on the mechanisms and practices of trade.

Commenting on the workshop, Serasinghe said: “The main purpose of this workshop was to enhance the awareness on the aspects of trade business. We will continue to conduct such programs in the coming months with the support of industry experts for the bank’s clients so as to better equip and inform them to grow and prosper in their business endeavours.”

Standard Chartered will continue to conduct such programs regularly as an extension of its brand promise of being the “Right Partner”. The bank will invest its resources and expertise in “up-skilling” staff of small and medium enterprises, so that clients may engage competitively and in an informed manner in carrying out their businesses.

Thejani Premaratne, Accountant – Finance, Ranki Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. said of the workshop: “Thanks for organising valuable workshops and the opportunity granted for us to be present.”

Standard Chartered PLC is a leading international bank, listed on the London, Hong Kong and Mumbai stock exchanges. It has operated for over 150 years in some of the world’s most dynamic markets and earns more than 90 per cent of its income and profits in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This geographic focus and commitment to developing deep relationships with clients and customers has driven the bank’s growth in recent years.

With 1,700 offices in 70 markets, Standard Chartered offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for more than 85,000 staff. It is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. The bank’s heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise, ‘Here for Good’.