8 AUGUST2025India has come to be one of the bank's top three markets internationally for SME banking, together with Hong Kong and Singapore. "India is not only a contributor to our global SME strategy but also one of its fastest-growing markets," says Xie Wen, the bank's Global Head of SME Banking.Speaking to Moneycontrol in an interview, Xie defined the bank's areas of priority in India as innovation, inclusive finance, and a robust international network. The SME Banking business of Standard Chartered is present in 18 markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East and plays a key part in its Wealth and Retail Banking strategy.Almost 70 percent of the bank's international and private banking customers are entrepreneurs, enabling it to cater to business as well as personal wealth needs--particularly since these customers are growing globally.The bank has led the way in providing program-based lending to SMEs and continues its investments in digital platforms and alliances to drive access to affordable and effective banking products. It is also actively empowering women entrepreneurs through its SC Women International Network (SC WIN) initiative. Since its introduction in November 2022, the program has provided more than $350 million of financing to over 1,500 women-led businesses--70 percent of which are from India. The bank is planning to increase this figure to $1 billion by 2028.India's growing SME industry, increased credit demand, and rising export activity offer substantial opportunities. With SMEs growing, there is also a growing requirement for wealth management, succession planning, and offshore banking services.Standard Chartered is in a good position to meet these requirements, with its widespread presence in Asia and Africa. The bank is also using digital lending platforms and AI-driven credit assessment tools to enhance efficiency and customer experience. IN FOCUSINDIA AMONG TOP 3 SME BANKING MARKETS FOR STANDARD CHARTERED: XIE WEN, GLOBAL HEADFIRST WOMAN FOUNDED MUTUAL FUND BUSINESS RECEIVES SEBI APPROVAL· The Wealth Company has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to begin its mutual fund operations.· It is backed by the Pantomath Group, which is renowned for financial services.· It becomes the first woman-established mutual fund house in India to clear SEBI.The Wealth Company, which is supported by Pantomath Group, declared on Friday that SEBI has approved the launch of its mutual fund business. With this development, it becomes the first women-led mutual fund house in India to get approved by SEBI.The company is headed by Madhu Lunawat, a chartered accountant and co-founder of Pantomath Group, a well-known mid-market investment banking outfit. Of almost 50 mutual fund houses in India, one--Edelweiss Mutual Fund--is headed by a woman, Radhika Gupta, who is its MD & CEO.As per a statement from the company, Madhu is the first Indian female to set up a non-institutional mutual fund house independently and get cleared by SEBI. Her work experience includes stints at Infosys, ASREC, and the Edelweiss Group, before co-founding Pantomath.This moment isn't about me -- it's about every woman who wishes to lead and redefine the financial industry," Madhu said in an interview with The Times of India. She will be the Managing Director and CEO of the new mutual fund firm. Our objective is to create something smart, long-term, and closely attuned to the true needs of Indian investors," she said.The fund house intends to use technology to widen its presence in rural India and adopt a client-centric approach in its business.
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