Asia-focused lender Standard Chartered has unveiled a series of senior appointments within its transaction banking division, signalling a strategic reshuffling of its leadership team across Europe and Asia.

Sofia Hammoucha has been named as the new global head of trade and working capital, based in Singapore. Hammoucha, who joined Standard Chartered in 2022 as head of risk for transaction banking, brings over two decades of experience from BNP Paribas. She succeeds Kai Fehr, who is returning to his native Germany for family reasons.

In Singapore, Ankur Kanwar has been appointed as head of transaction banking for Singapore and ASEAN. Kanwar, a veteran with more than 20 years in the industry, will maintain his current roles as global head of cash structured solutions development and head of cash management for Singapore and ASEAN. He takes over from Maisie Chong, who will continue to serve as global head of receivables purchase and head of trade and working capital for ASEAN and South Asia.

The bank has also tapped Marion Reuter to lead its transaction banking operations in Europe and at Standard Chartered Bank AG in Frankfurt. Reuter, who has been with the bank since 2013, replaces Karin Flinspach, who is departing the organisation. Reuter will continue her role as head of transaction banking corporate sales in Europe.

Michael Spiegel, global head of transaction banking at Standard Chartered, commented on the appointments: "We're pleased to appoint three prominent internal talents to be part of our Transaction Banking leadership team. Sofia, Marion and Ankur bring deep experience and understanding of our clients and our network, which will be instrumental as we continue building our product capabilities and deepening our corporate and institutional client relationships."

These strategic moves come as Standard Chartered aims to strengthen its position in the competitive transaction banking landscape. The bank's focus on internal talent promotion underscores its commitment to leveraging existing expertise while fostering continuity in its operations.

The appointments are effective immediately, with the new leaders expected to drive innovation and growth in their respective regions, building on Standard Chartered's established presence in Asia and Europe.

---