New CEO for Standard Chartered Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd (StanChart Malaysia) has appointed Abrar A. Anwar (pic) as its managing director and chief executive officer, effective Nov 1.

The bank said in a statement that the former Standard Chartered Bangladesh CEO had 26 years of experience in corporate and investment banking across Bangladesh, India and the UK. 

He joined StanChart in Bangladesh in January 2011 and led the corporate client coverage businesses until 2014, almost doubling the franchise’s income during that period. He was made CEO of the bank in January 2015.

Abrar set up the first syndication and structured finance business in Bangladesh for ANZ Grindlays Bank, along with landing successful milestone transactions in the energy and power, infrastructure, telecom, aviation, domestic and export-oriented industries.

Abrar will succeed StanChart Malaysia current CEO Mahendra Gursahani, who will be leaving the bank to take on another opportunity. Mahendra will continue as CEO in Malaysia until end of this month.

StanChart regional CEO (Asean and South Asia) Anna Marrs said: “Abrar is an excellent candidate to helm the bank’s business in Malaysia. His leadership skills, deep industry knowledge, and great rapport with clients will help to drive our business strategy and performance in Malaysia

“We would like to thank Mahendra for his significant contribution to the bank and we wish him well for his future endeavours.”