The Standard Chartered Bank, one of England's oldest, took the lead among European

and North American banks when it recently opened a representative office in Phnom

Penh. With the bank's presence in Cambodia, it now operates in 62 countries throughout

the world.

The bank's Cambodia manager, John Janes, said the bank is particularly strong in

Southeast Asia. "We are a known name throughout the region," he said. Standard

Chartered currently maintains 94 branch offices in ASEAN countries, with more than

350 branches worldwide.

Standard Chartered is no stranger to Cambodia. They opened their first branch in

Phnom Penh in 1954, and, after nationalization, maintained a representative office

here until 1974.

The bank is developing its operations in Phnom Penh gradually. Current services available

include assistance to other Cambodian banks with their international transactions,

and providing advice and confirming letters of credit. Standard Chartered is located

at 95A Sivutha Blvd., Phnom Penh.