Standard Chartered and State Bank of Việt Nam celebrate women in banking

Standard Chartered and State Bank of Việt Nam celebrate women in banking

Standard Chartered Vietnam and the SBV have co-organised a conference themed 'Women in banking take steady steps in digital transformation' in Hà Nội.

Standard Chartered Vietnam and the SBV have co-organised a conference themed 'Women in banking take steady steps in digital transformation' in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of the bank

Despite challenges in the industry, women in banking are energetic and confident in their capabilities, spirit and enthusiasm, contributing positively in the overall development of the industry and the country, said Đào Minh Tú, State Bank of Việt Nam (SBV) Deputy Governor.

Standard Chartered Vietnam and the SBV have co-organised a conference themed 'Women in banking take steady steps in digital transformation' in Hà Nội.

The event attracted women leaders in the banking industry, including representatives from SBV, the Việt Nam General Confederation of Labour, Việt Nam Women’s Union, International Finance Corporation and the Australian Ambassador to Việt Nam.

Updates on local and global trends – particularly the digital transformation – were provided at the conference, as well as solutions to challenges for women in the banking industry.

The conference was held as part of a series of gender equity activities under the Minutes of Cooperation between the central bank and Standard Chartered Vietnam. It aims to provide global perspectives on women in leadership, skills upgrading for women and sharing of diversity and inclusion best practices and experiences.

At the opening ceremony, Standard Chartered Vietnam's Green and Blue Choir presented a unique performance, expressing the talents and teamwork of bankers as well as demonstrating the bank's efforts to promote gender equity.

The conference covered two parts: trends in the digital transformation and a conversation on women in the industry integrating with the digital transformation.

At the conference, SBV Deputy Governor Phạm Tiến Dũng gave a presentation on the central bank's policies towards the digital transformation.

From an international viewpoint, Ankur Kanwar, global head of Structured Solutions at Standard Chartered, shared perspectives on the digital transformation, including its achievements, opportunities and challenges.

The conference wrapped up with a conversation on women’s roles in the digital transformation with representatives from SBV, the Australian Embassy, IFC, Standard Chartered Vietnam and local banks.

Nguyễn Thúy Hạnh, general director and head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Chartered, said: “We are proud to co-host the seminar with the committee for the advancement of women in the banking industry and the Việt Nam Banking Trade Union to empower women in the banking industry, especially in the integration of the digital transformation.

"Their flexibility, creativity and innovative thinking are key to success and contribute to the future of sustainable finance. The event is a part of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity and inclusion in the banking industry and in society.”

Standard Chartered Bank creates a culture of inclusion and well-being, including mental, physical, social and financial well-being.

In Việt Nam, the bank provides equal access to leadership development opportunities, maintains a strong framework of policies and procedures, fosters inclusivity in the work environment, promotes balanced gender representation in management positions and offers flexible working conditions.

Standard Chartered sets itself apart by offering comprehensive maternity and paternity leave support packages and frameworks for both female and male employees, highlighting its commitment to supporting work-life balance. 

The first bank in Việt Nam to achieve the prestigious certification for equity, diversity and gender equality (EDGE) with the highest LEAD level across all industries, Standard Chartered is dedicated to driving gender equality and equal opportunities as well as fostering an inclusive workplace culture in Việt Nam.

Standard Chartered has also been named as the 'Best Foreign Bank in Việt Nam in 2024' by the Global Business Review. 

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