Standard Chartered PLC has announced its intention to explore the sale of its Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB) business in Ghana, marking a shift in the bank's operations in the country after more than 130 years of uninterrupted service.
The announcement, made on Thursday, June 25, 2026, confirms that the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) business will continue to operate in Ghana, maintaining the bank's presence as a "super-connector" through its international network, cross-border capabilities, and sector expertise.
The move is in line with the Group's strategy to regularly review its portfolio as it sharpens its focus on businesses and client segments where it has the greatest scale and most differentiated client proposition, as reaffirmed at its FY 2025 results.
The Chief Executive Officer and Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered Ghana, Xorse Godzi, in a press release copied to GraphicOnline said: "Our WRB business in Ghana is a strong franchise with established client base and talented colleagues. We believe that it is well-positioned to continue to succeed under new ownership. We are focused on the next phase of our growth by prioritising businesses where we have a strong competitive advantage and a distinctive cross-border proposition. Ghana remains a core part of our international network, and we continue to see long-term opportunities driven by trade, infrastructure investment and capital flows."
He added: "The transition is expected to be phased over 18 to 24 months, subject to regulatory approvals. During this period, it will be business-as-usual for clients, with continued engagement to ensure an orderly transition and minimal disruption."
The Head, WRB, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Standard Chartered, Bongiwe Gangeni said: "We continue to actively review our portfolio to ensure capital is deployed where it delivers the strongest returns and strategic impact. We remain committed to supporting our clients through this transition, with a clear focus on continuity and client outcomes. This is about being more focused and impactful in Africa - driven by our hubs in Kenya and Nigeria, where our WRB businesses continue to drive growth at scale, complementing our super-connector CIB franchises in those markets."
Standard Chartered continues to invest in Africa as a core part of its international network. Over the past five years, the Group has invested US$300 million in technology and Africa-based ventures. In 2025, the Group financed US$5 billion in infrastructure in Africa, including the US$200 million Clean Cooking Outcome Bond issued by the World Bank, which unlocked US$30.5 million in climate finance for Ghana, and the US$504 million Côte d'Ivoire sustainability-linked loan.
The bank has been a cornerstone of Ghana's banking sector since its establishment in 1896. In its 2024 financial year, the bank reported operating income of GH¢1,807 million, representing a 10 per cent increase year-on-year, with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 24.0 per cent and Return on Tangible Equity of 34.9 per cent.
The bank had previously declared a total dividend payout of GH¢227.94 million to shareholders at its 55th Annual General Meeting.
Any potential transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.