On July 24, Standard Chartered announced it had become the first bank in Vietnam to receive the prestigious certification for equity, diversity, and gender equality (EDGE). Achieving the highest LEAD level across all industries, the recognition highlights the bank’s dedication to driving gender equality and equal opportunity and fostering an inclusive workplace culture in Vietnam.

Receiving the certification is a clear demonstration of the bank’s commitment to gender equality and, more broadly, recognizes how it continues to build an inclusive culture, not just in Vietnam but across its network. It shows transparency in assessing the impact of the bank’s policies, practices, and programs, increasing accountability and measurement to help Standard Chartered drive the pace of change in the industry.

Ms. Michele Wee, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, said Standard Chartered Bank is proud to be the first financial institution in Vietnam to be awarded EDGE LEAD certification. “At Standard Chartered, we promote a strong culture of diversity and inclusion (D&I), reflecting the diversity of our clients and our markets,” she said. “We remain committed to providing our employees with equal opportunities, working with them to unlock their fullest potential and achieve their ambitions.”

“Currently, women make up 70 per cent of our workforce and 54 per cent of the management team, and 41 per cent take senior positions in the bank. While more can be done to advance the D&I agenda, global recognition like this is testament to the good progress we are making.”

As part of the independent validation process, Standard Chartered was specifically acknowledged for its global best practices, including a solid framework of effective policies and practices around recruitment, promotion and flexible working, as well as enabling access to leadership development training and the people agenda program, and capturing employee ratings on an inclusive culture.

Specifically in Vietnam, the bank has in place formal mentoring and development programs, recruitment processes, and pay, where male and female employees across its different gender identities are equally valued. The D&I council, led by the country CEO, is a key pillar under the people agenda program that demonstrates senior leadership’s commitment to driving the agenda and making the bank even more agile, empathetic, resilient, and innovative.

Similarly, Ms. Tran Minh Huong, Country Head of Human Resources at Standard Chartered Vietnam, said it is a rigid and holistic certification process to achieve EDGE and the bank is very proud to be certified for the highest EDGE level - LEAD - at the first time of its participation in Vietnam.

“This achievement reinforces our unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual’s talent is valued and harnessed,” Ms. Huong said. “We continuously strive to ensure equality and invest in the wellbeing of our workforce, promote empowerment, and help our employees passionately engage in assigned duties.”

The bank also ensures equal access to leadership development opportunities, maintains a strong framework of policies and procedures, fosters inclusivity in the work environment, promotes balanced gender representation in management positions, and offers flexible work conditions. Standard Chartered sets itself apart by offering especially privileged and comprehensive maternity and paternity leave supporting packages and frameworks for both female and male colleagues, highlighting its commitment to supporting work-life balance.