Established in 2010, SC Studios is Standard Chartered Bank’s technology and innovation office strategically positioned in San Francisco at the hub of the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem. SC Studios keeps the Bank at the forefront of key technologies and emerging trends.

Ms Anju Patwardhan, Standard Chartered Bank’s Global Chief Innovation Officer, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Amar to the Global Innovation team. As head of SC Studios San Francisco, Amar will be based in the Silicon Valley – the world’s leading FinTech ecosystem - where he will work to connect business units within the Bank with technology start-ups, leading venture capital entrepreneurs, top universities, and other corporate innovators.”

Ms Patwardhan said: “In this digital age it is crucial that Standard Chartered continues to pioneer in bringing in new capabilities to serve our clients’ expanding needs. The Bank’s strategy in leveraging cutting-edge innovation through its investment in SC Studios will enable it to stay on pace with current trends while supporting business objectives and extending our opportunities.

“I welcome the opportunity to work closely with Amar on developing banking solutions. The digital revolution has created greater opportunities for banks to enhance customer experience, reduce costs, mitigate risks and put power into the hands of their clients through innovative deployment of technology,” she added.

Amar joined Standard Chartered in 2006 and has since held roles in client coverage and banking transformation. Most recently, he was Executive Director, Financial Institutions Group, North America based in New York. He reports to Anju Patwardhan.

Amar earned his MBA from Chicago University’s Booth Business School, holds an MSc in Economics from Cardiff University and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.