Latest news with #BoutrosKlink
Biz Bahrain
5 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Standard Chartered: Weak Dollar to Unlock Opportunities in Emerging Markets and Global Equities
Standard Chartered announced its Global Market Outlook for the second half of 2025, projecting a constructive but volatile environment for investors worldwide. The Bank sees significant implications for Middle East investors, driven by expectations of a softer US dollar, resilient global equity markets and improving prospects for emerging-market assets. The report highlights that Global macro conditions remain mixed. In the United States, growth continues to be supported by resilient consumption and fiscal stimulus, though trade and policy uncertainty may temper momentum in the second half of the year. In Europe, fiscal easing increasingly offers support, but structural challenges persist while China's outlook is stabilising on the back of targeted stimulus and improving retail activity. Meanwhile, growth in India and ASEAN is expected to remain well-supported. Against this backdrop, the report outlines an investment strategy reflecting evolving risks and opportunities. We expect the US dollar to weaken over the next 6 to 12 months and have accordingly upgraded Asia (ex-Japan) equities and Emerging Market (EM) local-currency bonds to Overweight. Global equities also remain an Overweight position across portfolios, supported by healthy earnings, easing trade tensions, and controlled inflation (so far). Commenting on the report, Dr. Boutros Klink, CEO, Standard Chartered Bahrain, said: 'As global markets transition into a new phase, investors in Bahrain and the wider Middle East are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities. A weaker dollar historically supports returns across risk assets, particularly in emerging markets, which have long been core components of regional portfolios.' He added: 'This outlook underscores a critical moment for investors in the region. As the global environment adjusts to weak dollar dynamics, shifting trade policies, and diverging central bank actions, investors in our region have an opportunity to reposition portfolios with greater international diversification. Asset classes such as emerging market bonds and equities across major regions (including non-US equities) are well-placed to help investors navigate volatility, capture income, and enhance portfolio resilience in today's shifting landscape.' In line with these themes, the report maintains a preference for USD-denominated bonds in the 5–7-year maturity range, citing them as the most attractive in terms of risk-adjusted returns, particularly as yields begin to ease from current levels. Meanwhile, Developed Market Investment Grade corporate bonds have been downgraded to Underweight due to tight yield premiums and slower inflows. Alternative investments are also in focus, with the Bank highlighting gold as a core allocation, supported by strong central bank demand and its role as a diversifier when bonds offer less downside protection.
Daily Tribune
19-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
StanChart Bahrain earns regional recognition
TDT | Manama A global banking giant's Bahrain arm has won Asia-wide honors for its wealth management platform, reflecting the local team's success in delivering high-impact financial solutions. Standard Chartered Bahrain has been named 'Wealth Management Platform of the Year - Bahrain' at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025. The accolade highlights how Bahrain's financial sector continues to gain regional recognition for service excellence and digital transformation. Celebrating achievement Dr. Boutros Klink, CEO of Standard Chartered Bahrain, said the award validates the bank's efforts to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions to wealth management clients. 'We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to provide world-class financial services. This award is testament of our team's hard work in ensuring our wealth management clients have access to the best possible digital wealth management solutions,' he said. The award also reflects Standard Chartered's broader strategy of combining global experience with strong local execution. Client-first innovation Standard Chartered Bahrain's platform integrates digital tools with advisory services, offering clients seamless access to options across geographies. The bank's digital wealth proposition is designed to meet the evolving needs of customers seeking both convenience and expertise. With operations in 53 markets, the bank has continued to invest in sustainability, customer service, and next-generation financial technology. Regional spotlight The Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards are considered a benchmark for excellence across Asia's financial landscape. Standard Chartered Bahrain's recognition places it among the top performers driving change in retail banking in the region.
Daily Tribune
11-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Standard Chartered Bahrain's Women in Tech programme returns
Standard Chartered Bahrain, in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), announced the sixth cohort of its 'SC Women in Tech' incubation programme in Bahrain, which will officially commence and open for applications on April 22. This marks the sixth anniversary of supporting female entrepreneurs in Bahrain. The programme was launched in collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the Labour Fund 'Tamkeen', Supreme Council for Women (SCW), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Investment and Technology Promotion Office, in Bahrain (UNIDO ITPO Bahrain), and Innovate for Bahrain (I4BH). The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Boutros Klink, Bahrain CEO, Standard Chartered; Afnan Rashid Al-Zayani, Board Member, Supreme Council for Women; Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer, Bahrain Fintech Bay; Maryam Rahimi, Associate Director, Enterprise Programs and Partnerships Development at Tamkeen; and Ameer Abu Baker, National Investment Promotion Expert, UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, along with other senior officials and stakeholders. Support female entrepreneurs The Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Program aims to offer valuable guidance and support to female entrepreneurs in Bahrain, enabling them to expand and prosper. To date, the programme has supported over 50 local startups through mentorship, with 19 startups receiving prize money totaling over USD 305,000. The programme aims to assist 10 businesses led by women through an intensive eight-week incubation period. Winners of the programme will receive prize money, with first-place winners receiving USD 35,000, second-place winners receiving USD 25,000, and third-place winners receiving USD 15,000. Additionally, all winning teams will be granted a 3-month residency at Bahrain FinTech Bay. The event also featured the announcement of a strategic collaboration between QuickDine, a startup that took part in the fifth edition of the Women in Tech Program, and Payment International Enterprise (PIE), a leading Bahrain-based fintech company.
Biz Bahrain
11-04-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Standard Chartered Bahrain, in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay, Announce the Sixth Cohort of Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Programme
Standard Chartered Bahrain, in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), announced the sixth cohort of its 'SC Women in Tech' incubation programme in Bahrain, which will officially commence and open for applications on April 22, 2025. This marks the sixth anniversary of supporting female entrepreneurs in Bahrain. The programme was launched in collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the Labour Fund 'Tamkeen', Supreme Council for Women (SCW), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Investment and Technology Promotion Office, in Bahrain (UNIDO ITPO Bahrain), and Innovate for Bahrain (I4BH). The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Boutros Klink, Bahrain CEO, Standard Chartered; Ms. Afnan Rashid Al-Zayani, Board Member, Supreme Council for Women; Ms. Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer, Bahrain Fintech Bay; Ms. Maryam Rahimi, Associate Director, Enterprise Programs and Partnerships Development at Tamkeen; and Mr. Ameer Abu Baker, National Investment Promotion Expert, UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, along with other senior officials and stakeholders. The Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Program aims to offer valuable guidance and support to female entrepreneurs in Bahrain, enabling them to expand and prosper. To date, the programme has supported over 50 local startups through mentorship, with 19 startups receiving prize money totaling over USD 305,000. The programme aims to assist 10 businesses led by women through an intensive eight-week incubation period. Participants will benefit from access to workshops, industry experts, and an alumni community, enabling them to refine their business strategies and capitalise on opportunities in the current business environment. Winners of the programme will receive prize money, with first-place winners receiving USD 35,000, second-place winners receiving USD 25,000, and third-place winners receiving USD 15,000. Additionally, all winning teams will be granted a 3-month residency at Bahrain FinTech Bay. The event also featured the announcement of a strategic collaboration between QuickDine, a startup that took part in the fifth edition of the Women in Tech Program, and Payment International Enterprise (PIE), a leading Bahrain-based fintech company. The collaboration is set to enhance QuickDine's operational efficiency by integrating advanced payment solutions, thereby offering customers secure and diverse payment methods.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Standard Chartered Bahrain announce the sixth cohort of Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Programme
Manama, Bahrain – Standard Chartered Bahrain, in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), announced the sixth cohort of its 'SC Women in Tech' incubation programme in Bahrain, which will officially commence and open for applications on April 22, 2025. This marks the sixth anniversary of supporting female entrepreneurs in Bahrain. The programme was launched in collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the Labour Fund 'Tamkeen', Supreme Council for Women (SCW), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Investment and Technology Promotion Office, in Bahrain (UNIDO ITPO Bahrain), and Innovate for Bahrain (I4BH). The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Boutros Klink, Bahrain CEO, Standard Chartered; Ms. Afnan Rashid Al-Zayani, Board Member, Supreme Council for Women; Ms. Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer, Bahrain Fintech Bay; Ms. Maryam Rahimi, Associate Director, Enterprise Programs and Partnerships Development at Tamkeen; and Mr. Ameer Abu Baker, National Investment Promotion Expert, UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, along with other senior officials and stakeholders. The Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Program aims to offer valuable guidance and support to female entrepreneurs in Bahrain, enabling them to expand and prosper. To date, the programme has supported over 50 local startups through mentorship, with 19 startups receiving prize money totaling over USD 305,000. The programme aims to assist 10 businesses led by women through an intensive eight-week incubation period. Participants will benefit from access to workshops, industry experts, and an alumni community, enabling them to refine their business strategies and capitalise on opportunities in the current business environment. Winners of the programme will receive prize money, with first-place winners receiving USD 35,000, second-place winners receiving USD 25,000, and third-place winners receiving USD 15,000. Additionally, all winning teams will be granted a 3-month residency at Bahrain FinTech Bay. The event also featured the announcement of a strategic collaboration between QuickDine, a startup that took part in the fifth edition of the Women in Tech Program, and Payment International Enterprise (PIE), a leading Bahrain-based fintech company. The collaboration is set to enhance QuickDine's operational efficiency by integrating advanced payment solutions, thereby offering customers secure and diverse payment methods. -Ends- For further information please contact: Noora Al Nusuf Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand & Marketing Bahrain & Middle East (ex-UAE) Standard Chartered Bank Email: About Standard Chartered We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world's most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges. For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
