Which bank was created in 1969 by merging Standard Bank of British South Africa and Chartered Bank?

Standard Chartered was created in 1969 by merging Standard Bank of British South Africa and Chartered Bank. The merger joined two institutions with long histories of serving trade and commerce across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Chartered Bank was founded in London in 1853 and developed a strong presence in Asia. Standard Bank was founded in 1862 and became especially important in southern Africa. Their combination created a large international banking group during a period of decolonization and changing global trade patterns.

The bank’s name preserves both predecessor identities. Standard Chartered is sometimes confused with Standard Bank, which later became South Africa’s Standard Bank Group. The two modern groups are separate despite their shared historical connection.