Standard Chartered Pakistan appoints Azhar Aslam as Head of Islamic Banking

Karachi, March 16, 2011 (PPI): Standard Chartered Pakistan announced the appointment of Azhar Aslam as Head of Islamic Banking. Azhar joins the Bank from Dubai Islamic Bank where he was Country Head, Corporate and Investment Banking. With more than 15 years of experience in the banking industry Azhar has worked in senior positions managing large local corporate, public sector and multinational entities.

Mohsin Nathani, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Pakistan said, "We strongly believe that the future of the Islamic Banking industry in Pakistan is extremely promising. With a strong experience in Shariah-compliant banking products and services, I am confident that Azhar will build on our position in this expanding market.”

Afaq Khan, CEO of Standard Chartered Saadiq said, “Standard Chartered Saadiq is a leader in global Islamic banking with a complete range of products and solutions covering both retail and wholesale banking., Pakistan is a key franchise market for Saadiq, where we have introduced innovative products and led several award-winning Sukuk and syndication transactions, including being awarded the Pakistan Deal of the Year by Islamic Finance News for 5 years in a row. We welcome Azhar into our team of experienced banking professionals who are leading the Bank’s business into new heights.”

Standard Chartered was the first international bank in Pakistan to receive an Islamic Banking license and to open Islamic Banking branches across the country. The Bank in Pakistan has 15 dedicated Islamic banking branches.