Standard Chartered Bank, Sri Lanka’s second largest international bank, today announced the launch of an all women’s branch in Kirulapone aimed at providing greater financial independence to its female customers. This is the first all women’s branch by any international bank in Sri Lanka. The branch, located at Maya Avenue, was inaugurated by Standard Chartered Bank’s Ms.Madhavi Lall, Head of Human Resources for South Asia.

The branch will have an all-women staff, including women security guards and janitorial staff, catering to its customers. The All Women’s branch will also hold regular workshops for women on financial planning and investment advisory.

Anirvan Ghosh Dastidar, Head of Consumer Banking for Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, speaking at the ceremony today said," Standard Chartered intends to be a leader in gender diversity by 2011. The need to achieve leadership in this area is driven by business imperatives and organizations have understood that if they do not address this issue they could face the prospect of losing 50% of the potential leaders of their workforce. In fact we are proud to be able to say that in Sri Lanka over 42% of our staff are females and 31% of them are in senior roles.

The Standard Chartered Bank all Women’s branch is not affiliated with the Islamic Banking Product concept. Standard Chartered launched this initiative inline with its strong focus on Diversity and Inclusion; empowering female leaders in the Banking sector and in the communities to attain their fullest potential.

Standard Chartered intends to be a leader in gender diversity. The need to achieve leadership in this area is driven by business imperatives and organizations have understood that if they do not address this issue they could face the prospect of losing 50% of the potential leaders of their workforce. Women are seen as major shapers in the market, with products and services designed specifically for women. Gender diversity is also a key component in creating an inclusive environment where each individual has an equal opportunity to maximize their potential and perform to the peak of their abilities.

For customers- Greater financial independence to its female customers, unique service for women customers with increased focus on offerings for women.

Special interest rates on savings accounts, customized cheque books and Diva Debit Cards, as well as a dedicated Relationship Manager and a host of other benefits make this an irresistible attraction.    

For employees- The branch will have an all-women staff, including women security guards and janitorial staff, catering to its customers. The All Women’s branch will also hold regular workshops for women on financial planning and investment advisory.

The All Women’s branch will be equipped with the standard security services that are available in all other Standard Chartered Bank branches. The security officers are trained to handle any emergency situations.

Security is also provided outside the branch in the parking area as per the standard procedure for banking arrangements.

This initiative is aimed at empowering females in our core markets and also in recognition of the potential that remain to be fulfilled in empowering more females in the Sri Lankan community.

Standard Chartered Bank is an equal opportunity service provider that does not discriminate gender, race, age or sexual orientation.

The Standard Chartered Bank Kirulapone branch was selected for its location and its ability to make an impact on the community in which it operates.

We also took into consideration the number of female account holders at this branch.