Gaining Perspective – Martin’s Story

My career with Standard Chartered started back in 2003. I wanted to join the bank to share the technical expertise gained through my Computer Science degree. I also wanted to learn more about the financial aspect of the banking industry, so I looked for a role to deliver cash management solutions to corporate clients. The idea of having an impact on digital solutions across different places was very appealing to me.

Before joining the Standard Chartered team, I worked as a team leader, responsible for client servicing and solution delivery. After a few years of gaining as much experience as possible, I was involved in building a Cash Management business from the ground up, offering solutions to a specific segment of clients. Once I’d spent time successfully growing this business, I decided I wanted to build digital solutions in an international bank. That’s when my career with Standard Chartered began.

Standard Chartered is renowned for its positive and diverse working environment. I love my job because I get to work among people with different experiences. It’s really encouraged me to gain different perspectives on how individuals manage their work, personal life and well-being.

Martin Chief Product Owner, Cash Digital Channels | Product Head & Transformation Lead, Standard Chartered

A typical working week

Today, I work as a Chief Product Owner within the Digital Channels and Data Analytics (DCDA) business function in Singapore. I run a team that’s responsible for building cash management features on Straight2Bank, an internet banking platform across Standard Chartered Bank’s global footprints.

The biggest challenge for me has been adapting to changes and developments in the banking industry. I have to ensure that current demands are met whilst finding sustainable methods of transforming the way we work. It’s very rewarding to witness the team’s happiness when a significant change is achieved.

During my working week, I make sure to set aside time for things I enjoy. I start my day by exercising. Since the pandemic, I think it’s very easy to become unhealthy, which is why I take good care of my mental and physical well-being.

My meetings start early and work usually becomes more intense and time-consuming later on in the day. Since I spend a significant amount of my day working, I like to plan my evenings and weekends around my family. Family time is incredibly important to me.

Encouraging others

It took a lot of hard work to get where I am today, and I believe you need to adapt your ways of working to get to the next stage of your career, whatever that might be. What got you to one place isn’t going to get you to the next.

A quote that I live by is ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. Building a career in banking is all about learning from your mistakes and gaining more confidence in your abilities over time. If I could give any advice to my younger self, it would be to focus on the work and ignore the negative noises around you. That is the only way to succeed.