Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group with a history spanning over 150 years and a workforce of approximately 80,000 employees. The bank operates primarily in some of the world’s most dynamic markets, with a presence in over 50 countries and serving clients in an additional 85 markets globally. Its lobbying activities in the European Union focus on advocating for regulatory frameworks that impact banking and financial services, sustainable finance, fintech, capital markets, and trade. Key EU legislative files targeted by Standard Chartered include CRD5 & CRR2 (Capital Requirements Directive and Regulation), BRRD2 (Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive), MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive), EMIR (European Market Infrastructure Regulation), Benchmarks regulation, the Capital Markets Union (CMU), the Fintech Action Plan, and the Sustainable Finance Action Plan.
Since its registration with the EU Transparency Register in June 2009, Standard Chartered has actively engaged in lobbying efforts to influence EU policy-making and regulatory developments that affect its business and the broader financial sector. The bank’s lobbying approach involves a team of lobbyists who engage with EU institutions, particularly the European Commission, to provide expertise and represent the bank’s interests in financial regulation and policy discussions. Standard Chartered also participates in various industry associations and forums to collaborate on common policy goals.
The bank’s lobbying expenditures have been substantial, reflecting its commitment to shaping a favorable regulatory environment. For example, in 2017 alone, Standard Chartered reported spending €750,000 on lobbying activities. The firm employs a team of approximately 17 lobbyists (equivalent to 6 full-time equivalents) who work on these efforts, although none are accredited with the European Parliament. The bank has held at least 16 high-level meetings with the European Commission, demonstrating active engagement at senior levels.
Standard Chartered’s lobbying network includes memberships in key financial associations such as the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME), the EU-Asia Financial Services Roundtable, and EUROFI. These affiliations enable the bank to collaborate with other financial institutions and stakeholders to influence EU financial regulation and policy frameworks.
The bank’s lobbying activities are conducted from its head office in London, UK, and its EU office in Brussels, Belgium, positioning it close to the heart of EU policy-making institutions. Its lobbying efforts cover a broad range of interests including banking and financial services, climate action, economy and finance, environment, external relations, single market, taxation, and trade at European, national, and global levels.
