Standard Chartered appoints new CEO for Islamic banking arm

By Leandra Monteiro

Standard Chartered has appointed Khurram Hilal as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Standard Chartered Saadiq, the Bank’s global Islamic banking arm. His appointment is in line with the Bank’s objectives of strengthening its Islamic banking offering across its global network.

Khurram brings over 20 years of Islamic banking experience to the CEO position, specifically in the areas of retail banking, wealth management, private banking, transaction banking and financial markets. During that time, Khurram has held several senior positions within the Bank, including Head of Group Islamic Products, which he continues to lead alongside his new role.

He has led the development and execution of the Bank’s Islamic product proposition for over a decade across its footprint in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Khurram has also been an active contributor to the Islamic banking industry and regularly provides advice to regulators and industry bodies.

Commenting on Khurram’s appointment, Sunil Kaushal, Regional CEO of Standard Chartered Africa and the Middle East (AME), said, “Standard Chartered is among a handful of international banks that offer robust Islamic banking services, enabling us to maximise our footprint in key global markets and satisfy the increased demand amongst consumers for Shari’a compliant offerings. Khurram’s appointment serves as testament to the Bank’s commitment to strengthen its Islamic banking portfolio, through which his expertise and extensive knowledge of the sector are vital. I am confident that Khurram will afford the Bank further success in the area of Islamic banking and elevate the Standard Chartered Saadiq franchise to greater heights.”

Khurram holds a master’s degree from the Institute of Business Administration in Pakistan and has achieved a CFA certification from Charlottesville, USA. He is also currently pursuing advanced studies in classical Islamic jurisprudence.