March 2 - Standard Chartered has told employees to postpone any planned travel to the Middle East and asked those already in the region to shelter in place until further notice, after U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. The bank said it is not seeing a direct impact on its operations and that its regional locations continue to operate under the arrangements already in place, according to a company spokesperson.
The lender highlighted its ongoing strategic emphasis on expanding cross-border services and its wealth management business in and from Middle East markets. While urging travel delays and temporary restrictions on movement for staff, the bank emphasised that its network of offices in the region remains active.
Standard Chartered's footprint in the Gulf includes operations in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq and Oman, as listed in the bank's 2025 annual report. The bank's guidance to staff reflects a precautionary posture designed to limit exposure for employees while its regional sites continue to follow pre-existing operational plans.
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The bank's travel advisory and shelter-in-place guidance were conveyed as immediate safety measures. Standard Chartered continues to monitor developments and to communicate with staff in the affected region. No additional operational changes were reported at the time the spokesperson provided the update.
Implications and context
- Standard Chartered is prioritising employee safety by delaying travel and instructing regional staff to shelter in place.
- The bank reports no current direct disruption to its regional operations and continues to run offices under current protocols.
- The lender continues to pursue growth in cross-border services and wealth management related to Middle East markets while managing short-term regional risks.