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Standard Chartered wins Financial Times award for Seeing is Believing and other community programmes

5 March 2010

Last week, Standard Chartered Bank won the prestigious FT ArcelorMittal Boldness in Business Award for its commitment to corporate responsibility.

The judges commended the Bank’s commitment to community investment and impact in the areas of health and education, which have remained steady throughout the financial downturn.

Seeing is Believing was recognised for its ambitious goal to raise US$20 million to deliver access to comprehensive eye care services in impoverished urban areas.  The Mumbai eye care campaign was featured for its innovative work bringing eye care direct to the slums through its network of 15 vision centres.

Among the other of Standard Chartered’s community programmes featured was Living with HIV – a programme designed to combat the disease by educating over a million people worldwide; and Goal – a programme that empowers young women through team sports and education in life skills and financial literacy.

Dan Bogler, managing editor of the Financial Times and one of the judges, said, “Operating in some of the world’s poorest nations, Standard Chartered contributes not only money but also expertise and enthusiasm in supporting educational and medical causes. It also partners with governments and non-governmental organisations – an approach that makes a real difference on the ground.”

Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and CEO, ArcelorMittal, said: “This year’s winners really personify boldness because they’ve had the courage to make tough decisions and successfully lead their companies through the most challenging economic period in recent history. It’s at times like this that bold decision makers are most important, they are the ones who can save businesses and turn adversity into opportunity.”