Neerajs’ story – Embracing the differences between markets

From starting as a Contract Officer, to celebrating a career of 17 years and counting with the Bank 

My career journey in banking began as soon as I finished my B.Com degree. As I was preparing for my MBA, I joined Standard Chartered Bank in 2006 as a Contract Officer in Transaction Banking and was offered a permanent position within a few months, in the Trade Operations team. In these 17 years with the Bank, I expanded my expertise across various domains of Trade Finance and recently expressed a desire for international exposure. Luckily for me, an opportunity to join our Hong Kong Trade Services team came up which I ended up taking. Through hard work and adaptability, I established myself as a trusted banking professional in India and I am doing my best in replicating the same in Hong Kong. 

Working in different regions is an enriching experience 

Each market presented unique opportunities and challenges that helped me in brokering my thought process. In India, one can’t ignore the vibrant and diverse nature of the market, with its rich cultural heritage and dynamic business environment. On the other hand, Hong Kong exposed me to a highly competitive and globally connected financial hub, providing invaluable insights into international markets, and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.  

Embracing the differences between these markets has allowed me to develop a well-rounded perspective, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse nuances of global banking.  

Unlike India where people are more open and expressive, while people are very helpful in Hong Kong, they may not express themselves as openly. Hong Kong also focuses on quality over quantity and is a very efficient city with excellent infrastructure. I love the vibe of the city; it offers something for everyone.  

While moving markets during the pandemic was difficult, I would like to thank our HR and Mobility team for handling the transition in the best possible way.  

My biggest takeaways from my experience working in Hong Kong 

Being one of the top revenue generating markets for the Bank, there are a lot of new to Bank initiatives led by the Hong Kong market which I get to be a part of. I have also gained exposure to highly competitive and globally connected environments and learned from the emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness due to extensive competition. 

A cultural aspect that stood out was the deep respect for work-life balance. It was refreshing to witness a norm where people prioritise personal time and take out time for their wellbeing and health without compromising on work.  

My career journey has been rewarding and shaped by the opportunities provided by the Bank 

From a contract staff to heading the Client Service team for Trade Hong Kong, my journey has been rewarding and shaped by the opportunities provided by the Bank. I have also been fortunate to have very good seniors and mentors throughout my professional career in the Bank. Their guidance helped me a lot, both professionally and personally.