Standard Chartered Issues $170 Million Certificate of Deposit via DIFC Branch
DUBAI, UAE — February 2, 2026 — Standard Chartered announced the successful issuance of a $170 million Certificate of Deposit through its Dubai International Financial Centre branch, regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The short-term issuance under the bank’s UK eCD/CP Programme strengthens funding resilience and broadens global liquidity reach, marking the first regional transaction of its kind.
Announcement Specifics
Standard Chartered issued the $170 million Certificate of Deposit on February 2, 2026, via its DIFC branch. The transaction targets short-term funding from regional and international investors and operates under the bank’s established UK electronic Certificate of Deposit/Commercial Paper Programme. The issuance is regulated by the DFSA and executed through DIFC’s cross-border capital markets infrastructure.
Stakeholder Perspective
“This issuance is the first of many in the region, and it represents an important step in strengthening our funding resilience and broadening our global liquidity reach. The DIFC platform enables us to raise short-term funding efficiently from both regional and international investors, while aligning with the UAE’s vision to serve as a bridge between global capital markets and the fast-growing economies of the Middle East, Africa and Asia.”
— Camil Zoghby, Head of Treasury Markets for the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan at Standard Chartered
Why it matters: The statement underscores efficient access to diverse liquidity pools across multiple geographies, positioning the UAE as a strategic funding hub.
“For Standard Chartered, this transaction is part of a deliberate strategy to diversify funding sources across our network and reinforce the flexibility of our balance sheet. It demonstrates how we are using our international footprint to connect liquidity pools and deepen market access through world-class financial centres. We see significant potential to expand this capability further as the region’s capital markets ecosystem continues to evolve.”
— Camil Zoghby, Head of Treasury Markets for the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan at Standard Chartered
Why it matters: The quote highlights strategic balance sheet flexibility and the bank’s commitment to expanding regional capital markets capabilities.
Industry Context
DIFC’s sophisticated infrastructure supports cross-border capital flows, positioning the UAE as a gateway linking Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The transaction signals confidence in DIFC’s regulatory environment and reinforces the UAE’s ambitions in international finance. The move facilitates trade and investment flows while supporting the growth of MENAP capital markets, which continue to attract international liquidity seeking exposure to fast-growing regional economies.
Conclusion
Standard Chartered plans further issuances to expand capabilities in the region, supporting sustainable growth and deeper market integration across MENAP economies.
Sources: Zawya, TradingView
