Standard Chartered appoints new Australia CEO

Jacob Berman, the bank’s former head of client coverage in Japan, has taken up the position which sits within SC’s corporate and institutional banking unit.

February 20, 2024

UK-headquartered Standard Chartered (SC) has confirmed that Jacob Berman was appointed as chief executive officer (CEO) of the bank’s Australian branch, effective January 11, 2024.

Berman (pictured) held a previous role of SC’s head of client coverage in Japan for over three years and has already relocated to Sydney from Tokyo in his new remit.

According to a February 19 media release, Berman joined the organisation in Singapore in 2012, starting a journey of over two decades in corporate and investment banking across global markets. He moved to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in 2014 as managing director of global banking, and ascended to Japan’s head of client coverage in 2019.

A SC spokesperson told FinanceAsia that Berman’s chain of reporting includes Rino Donosepoetro, appointed cluster CEO of Standard Chartered Indonesia and Asean markets (Australia, Brunei and the Philippines), and Mike Samson, head of client coverage for Asean, who is also the CEO and client coverage head for Standard Chartered Philippines.

While in Japan, his previous role has been succeeded by Yusuke Asai, who is also the CEO of Standard Chartered Japan.

“Among others, Jacob’s role will be to grow the Australian franchise by widening the client portfolio and further enhancing client sector diversification. He will also hold a key role in advancing the bank’s sustainability initiatives, supporting clients in achieving their net-zero goals,” the spokesperson said.

Berman’s new remit in Australia includes overseeing the bank’s corporate and institutional banking businesses. Key segments include corporate real estate; infrastructure; metal and mining; renewable energy; and banks and investors.

“As I take on this new role, I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the franchise. I firmly believe in the potential of the Australian market and look forward to further supporting the economic growth of the country and the business needs of corporates and institutions nationwide,” he noted in the release.

The spokesperson told FA that Berman’s past experience in Japan, as well as other markets, underscored his expertise in building a network in a specialised market.

“His experience in previous roles and markets for over 20 years also brought him an extensive range of expertise across investment and corporate banking, spanning a wide array of financial products,” he continued.

Commenting on Berman’s new role, Donosepoetro said: “We remain committed to invest resources and technology to enhance our footprint [in Australia]. Jacob brings with him over 20 years of international banking experience and we are confident that he possesses the leadership qualities and experience needed to elevate this franchise to greater heights in Australia.”

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