SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

· Declining of currencies against US dollars.

· Strong brand name
· Less market share in India and China
· Diversified portfolio
· Lack of competitive advantage
· Extensive distribution
· Comparatively less technological advancements
· First mover advantage
· Inability to foster innovation due to hierarchical and rigid
· Investing in CSR activities
organisational structure

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

· Exploring developing economies

· Intense competition
· Acquisitions and mergers
· Emerging cyber crime
· Focus on underserved markets
· Government policies of different countries
· Chances to diversify in other conglomerate
· Growing private local banks
businesses
· Free exit and entry
· Geographic concentration

Explanation of table

Strengths
The above table shows the internal analysis and external analysis of Standard Chartered Bank i.e. the strengths and
weaknesses, opportunities and threats respectively. The strength of the company is its strong reputation in the
banking industry and one of the major foreign banks in Singapore. It is also dealing in diversified portfolio as it is
offering various products and services to its customers. The company also enjoys the first mover advantage as it is
one of oldest banks. The company is a trusted brand as the company invests heavily in the corporate social
responsible activities like children eye care in China, promoting microfinance in Indonesia, using LED lights, and
financial education to youth in Zambia, supporting and encouraging girls in Bangladesh etc. Therefore; all these
activities have made the brand more popular and renowned (Standard Chartered, 2015c).

Weaknesses
The weakness of the company is that the decline in the currency against the US dollars which leads to the impact on
the financial growth of the country and company. It has a long term impact which affects the inflation and the interest
rates. The company’s another major weakness is that the company is having less share in markets like India and
China as they can be huge business hubs for the company. They are also not able to make up with the constant
technological advancements and also there is less of innovation because the company follows the same kind of
hierarchical organisational structure.
Opportunities
The opportunities for the company are that they should explore the emerging economies which can be good sources
of revenues to the company. In addition to this, the company should also go for mergers and acquisitions with the
small enterprises or banks which will help the company to expand by utilising the resources of the smaller business.
In addition to this, the company can explore the underserved markets of different countries rural and underdeveloped
areas in order to expand its customer base. There are also options for the company to diversify in different areas
which are unrelated to the banking industry it can be investing into social activities which will generate revenues for
the company.

Threats
The threat to the company is the cut-throat competition that is prevailing in the banking industry. The increase in the
cyber-crime activities can lead to a big losses to the company in terms of money and as well as the customer
databases. Private local banks are improving and customising their services to attract customers which can hinder
the growth of the foreign banks. The banking industry is also a free entry and exit and is prone to vulnerable
competition. Another threat is the varied and rigid policies of governments of different countries.

Conclusion
On the basis of the above report it can be concluded that the Standard Chartered Bank is upholding a good position
in Singapore in comparison to other foreign players. It is also said that because of a strong historical brand image the
company still manages to sustain its identity. Apart from this, the company should also focus on its expansion in other
growing markets which as this will improve its global presence. Other than this the company should focus on the
stringent policies made by the governments of different countries. This will enable them to exploit the opportunities of
the markets of that particular country.