Standered Chartered Bank
Standered Chartered Bank
Standered Chartered Bank
Institution is the first step towards knowledge. The previous year at IM Sciences has been
the most turning years in my life. The environment has been conducive towards
triggering my lust for knowledge. The well-designed curriculum has helped in acquiring
the in-depth knowledge of management sciences.
Internship is the final step towards the completion of the degree. This report focuses over
the operations and working of Standard Charted Grindlays Bank, Peshawar .It covers
different complex aspects of the bank including Consumer Banking, Payment services,
Deposit and Money transfer services etc.
Though it’s hardly possible to cover all the aspects of the complex operations of the bank
in detail, but I hope that an attempt to explain what I have analyzed during my stay at
Grindlays. The recommendation at the end of the report is the most important part. All of
them may not be correct, but a humble attempt has been made towards the improvement
of the processes.
In the end, I would like to thank Grindlays Staff for being supportive during my stay at
the Bank. I would also like to thank Miss Shandana Saad to bear with the drafts of the
report and correcting the mistakes I had made. Without her support, this report wouldn’t
have licked the shape, as it has now acquired.
I believe that the process of learning never stops. This report is the first step towards the
long journey of acquisition of knowledge .May Allah be with me in all test of times.
Amen!
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Preface i
Executive Summary ii
Chapter-4 Products
4.1 Consumer Banking 21
4.2 Asset products 22
4.3 Personal Loans 22
4.4 life style loans 22
4.5 Auto Loans 23
4.6 Credit Cards 24
4.7 Current Account 25
4.8 Tijarat Account 25
4.9 Super Save Account 26
4.10 Flex Account 27
4.11 Rupee Term Deposit 28
4.12 Cluster Deposit 29
4.13 Retail Services 30
4.14 Traveler’s Cheques 31
4.15 Automated Teller Machine (Atm) Service 31
4.16 Corporate And Institutional Banking 33
4.17 Account Services 34
4.18 Payment services 35
4.19 Indirect collection 37
4.20 Direct collection 37
4.21 Direct deposit 38
4.22 Electronic banking 43
4.23 Payments plus 43
4.24 Internet banking 44
4.25 Flex accounts 49
Chapter-5 SWOT Analysis
5.1 Strengths 52
5.2 Weaknesses 56
5.3 Opportunities 59
5.4 Threats
62
Section-4
Chapter-6 Recommendations 68
Chapter 1
Introduction to Report
This study is based on a training program of eight weeks, which is not enough time to get
the proper feel of a place or completely understand a vast organization.
Furthermore, the study mainly concentrates on the Peshawar branch of SCB, as that is the
place where the internship was carried out. Some information about the presence of SCB
in Pakistan and the performance of the Standard Chartered Group globally is also
included in the report, but the main focus is the Peshawar branch.
Data regarding the history of the bank, its range of products and services offered and
organizational structure was collected from annual report and magazines, brochures, bank
circulars, web sites and reports of other students.
1.5.1 Section 1
Chapter 1: The first chapter is an introduction to the report stating the purpose,
scope methodology and scheme of the report.
1.5.2 Section 2
Chapter 2: This gives an organizational review of SCB, discussing the history
and background of the bank.
Chapter 3: The organizational structure of the bank is laid out in this chapter
with tables showing the organizational hierarchy and departmentation at the bank.
1.5.3 Section 3
Chapter 4: Detailed analysis of the products and services offered by the bank is
provided in this chapter.
Chapter 5: A SWOT analysis of SCB is discussed in the chapter
1.5.4 Section 4
Chapter 6: At the end of the report recommendations for improvement of the
Bank are provided.
Chapter 2
Organizational Review
2.1 Banking in general
“A bank is a financial institution, which deals with money and credit. It accepts deposits
from individuals, firms and companies at a lower rate of interest and gives at higher rate
of interest to those who need them. The difference between the term at which it borrows
and that at which it lends forms the source of its profit. A bank, thus, is a profit-earning
institute.” Banks are authorized institutions and perform four functions. They accept
deposits, make loans, arrange payment of bills and provide a number of customer
services. Banks are essential for all modern day economies. Banks are there to provide
safe custody for a society’s cash and valuables, facilitating trade and commerce and give
financial support. Functions such as these make the banking sector indispensable in any
economy. 1
1. Accepting deposits.
The commercial bank raises money in the form of deposits. These deposits are collected
through
• Current Account: It is an account, which provides a chequebook but usually pays
no interest on the money deposited. Current accounts are mainly used to pay bills.
• Deposit Account: It is an account, which does pay interest, but money can only be
taken out by visiting the bank. Deposit accounts are mainly used for short term saving.
1
Farooqi, Shakeel. (1999). Glossary Banking and Finance, Pakistan: State Bank of Pakistan. p.564.
• Investment Account: An investment or savings account pays a higher rate of
interest but a written notice of withdrawal must be given for withdrawing money from the
account. Accounts of this type are used mainly for long-term saving.
2. Advancing of loans:
Advancing loan is a very risky function. The borrower may be unable to repay the
loan or interest or both. The lending may be in any of the following forms:
• Overdraft: an overdraft is when the bank allows a customer to take out more
money than is in his account. Overdrafts are up to an agreed limit, and must be
paid off whenever the bank asks. Interest is charged daily on any outstanding
balance.
• Loan Account: A loan account is when a customer borrows a fixed sum of money
to be repaid in monthly installments over a period of time. A fixed rate of interest
is charged.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
The bank keeps valuable documents of the customers, provides services as under writers,
and helps the customers engage in foreign trade by means of discounting of bills and
other instruments. It also sells and purchases Government securities, issues credit cards
and traveler’s checks. Banks have cash points; exchange foreign currency; provide night
safes and store valuables; execute (carry out) wills and trusts; and factor (collect) debts.
2.3 BANKING IN PAKISTAN
Pakistan is a country with a well-established banking sector. State Bank of Pakistan is the
Central Bank of the country and it was inaugurated on July 1st, 1948. At the time of
partition the total number of commercial banks in Pakistan were 38. There were two
Pakistani banks, 29 Indian banks and seven exchange banks. Today the country boasts 45
commercial banks and 36 non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs) operating in
Pakistan whose activities are regulated and supervised by State Bank of Pakistan.
The commercial banks comprise of 4 nationalized banks, 2 privatized banks, 15 private
sector banks, 20 foreign banks, and 4 specialized banks. The financial sector in Pakistan
comprises of commercial banks, non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs), leasing
companies, modarabas, mutual funds, stock exchange and insurance companies. Under
the prevalent legislative structure the supervisory responsibilities in case of banks and
non-banking financial institutions falls within the legal ambit of State Bank of Pakistan
while the rest of the financial institutions are monitored by other authorities such as the
Securities and Exchange Commission and Controller of Insurance. In comparison with
other emerging economies, Pakistan has a relatively underdeveloped financial sector in
terms of the depth of the financial system and the extent of financial intermediation. The
depth of a financial institution refers to the use of money and close money substitutes
such as savings and time deposits, which is very low in Pakistan. There are many foreign
banks operating in the country such as ABN AMRO, American Express Bank, Bank of
America, Banque Indosuez, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Doha Bank, Emirates Bank, Al-
Mashriq Bank, Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank,
Rupali Bank, Societe Generale, IFIC Bank and Habib Bank AG and more. The foreign
banks have a strong presence in all the major cities and are targeting high net worth
individuals and blue chip companies. Their strategy is quite successful as they account
for 34% of total sector profits, despite having only 15% of deposits and 16% of advances.
The recent wave of liberalization and financial reforms has raised questions about the
future prospects of the financial industry in general and the banking industry in particular.
In just four years the banking industry has expanded tremendously and now there are
more than two dozen commercial and investment banks functioning in the country. The
recent mushrooming of banks in the country could have become a boon if the growth in
the economy had been proportional. Unfortunately the growth in the industry has been
slow and hence banks have had to fight for customers. The race for intensifying deposits
has already started and the trend in 1996 shows that people are moving away from long
term deposits making it increasingly difficult for the smaller banks to develop a strong
deposits base.
2.4 INTRODUCTIONS AND BACKGROUND OF STANDARD
CHARTERED GROUP
Standard Chartered is a London based, international bank focused on the markets
of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. It has significant operations in Hong
Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India,
Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and in sub-Saharan Africa. Key businesses
are Consumer Banking — primarily credit cards, mortgages, personal loans, auto
loans and wealth management and Wholesale Banking, where the Bank specializes in the
provision of cash management, trade finance, treasury and custody services. The Group
has a network of over 500 offices in more than 50 countries. With a presence in Asia and
Africa that goes back nearly 150 years, Standard Chartered has an in-depth understanding
of, and a long-term commitment to, the emerging markets. Standard Chartered is named
after two banks, which merged in 1969. They were originally known as the Standard
Bank, founded by Royal Charter in 1853, and the Chartered Bank, founded by Royal
Charter in 1863. Standard Chartered PLC announced on 31st July 2000 the completion
of the US$1.34 billion acquisition of Grindlays operations in the Middle East and South
Asia, from the ANZ Banking Group, founded in 1828. When it bought Grindlays,
Standard Chartered also acquired Grindlays Private Bank and Grindlays Trust
Corporation, which it has put together with Standard Chartered businesses in Jersey. This
created Standard Chartered Grindlays. Since then, the process of integration has been in
progress in terms of aligning the systems and processes of the two banks. Now with the
formal amalgamation approval from the state Bank of Pakistan, the Pakistan operations
of Grindlays have been amalgamated with Standard Chartered Bank. As a result the
amalgamated entity is known as Standard Chartered Bank, effective December 1, 2002.
The new logo of the bank reflects its most desirable Brand proposition, “The Right
Partner”.
3
Source: www.standardchartered.com.pk/history
Chapter 3
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
3.1 INTRODUCTION
“Organization is a wide variety of people who work together and coordinate their actions
to achieve a wide variety of goals.”
a. Strong Room:
All the money at the bank is kept in the strong room, which is located within the
cash dept. Only authorized personnel are allowed inside the department, and no
one else.
b. Teller Services:
Cashiers working in the cash dept are called tellers. The department is headed by
a TSM. This department handles all physical cash. Tellers have a job rank of G8
or G9. The functions of this department are:
• Cash transactions (all currencies)
• Cash balancing
• Treasury reporting
• Generating limit excess report
• Obtaining sign-off from PFC’s/BSSM on limit excess
• Custody and Delivery of ATM cards
• Custody and Delivery of Return tins
• Custody and Delivery of welcome packs
• Ownership of suspense accounts
• ATM balancing/reconciliation
• ATM cash replenishment
• ATM servicing and attending to routine faults
• ATM card deletion destruction
• Coordination of complex transactions with COU
• Monthly reconciliation
• Monthly FCY cash return
c. Locker Services:
The bank also offers Locker Service for the safe custody of valuables. The Locker
Service also falls in the TSM division.
d. Banking Support Unit (BSU):
This dept is the backbone of all activities of the bank. BSUs and Universal Tellers
work in this division and they coordinate the activities of the front office. This
division deals with operational issues. BSU post is graded as G8 or G10. The
BSU is also located in the cash section and only authorized personnel can enter.
Universal Tellers do not handle cash directly, instead they offer other services.
The functions performed by this division are:
• Receipt of all documents from PFC’s for scanning and onward dispatch of such
items for processing
• Remittances
• Receipt of requests for issuance, encashment and profit payments of government
securities
• Receipt of clearing/collection cheques and onward dispatch to COU/BSS/CMO
• Demand draft and pay order issuance
• Cheque book custody and deliveries
• Receipt of request for standing order on a/c
• Issuance of 5 leaf cheque book and counter cheques
• Cheque book destruction
• Issuance of FCY traveler cheques for customer’s enteries, stamping and treasury
reporting
• Marking of stop payment/cheques
• Custody and delivery of Hold pins
• Cheque Series Input
• Issuance of encashment certificates
• Urgent transfer request and conversion of FCY a/c
5
Source: www.standardchartered.com.pk/general Banking
CHAPTER-4
• Asset Products
• Liability Products
• Retail Services
• Credit Cards
• Priority Banking
• ATM
• E-statements
Standard Chartered Bank in Pakistan enjoys a unique position as one of the oldest foreign
banks in the country, with a presence in this region of over 140 years. It is one of the
leading financial institutions in providing consumer banking services, priority banking
services, loan services etc. The consumer banking products and services are:
4.2 ASSET PRODUCTS
Asset products include Personal Loans, Auto Loans, Lifestyle Loans, Overdrafts and
Credit Cards.
In SCB Peshawar Branch only over drafts and credit cards, personal loans are available.
Auto loans and lifestyle loans will be launched soon.
4.3 PERSONAL LOANS
Personal Loans, without any guarantees or collateral, are available to customers to meet
their specific credit needs. They can choose Installment Loan or Revolving Loan,
whatever suits them best. Customers can boost their purchasing power with a Personal
Loan in an easy and cost effective way. Loans are available up to a limit of PKR
300,000/-.
Only those customers are eligible for the loan who are between the age of 23 and 60 and
who have a net regular monthly income of Rs.15, 000. The loan facility is only available
to customers residing in Karachi and Lahore and who have a minimum of one-year full-
time work experience at one of the bank’s approved companies.
4.4 LIFE STYLE LOANS
It is a cost-effective way to get extra financing to buy home appliances and other
electronic items. People of ages between 23-60 with a regular monthly net income of Rs.
12,000 or above can apply for it. The also should have at least one-year work experience.
Loan can be sought from Rs. 25000 to Rs.300, 000 with 0% mark up and 0% down
payment for loans up to one year.
How it works:
Over draft is a running finance facility. Current needs for liquidity are met without
breaking the high returns set aside. The overdraft account is a current account, which can
go into the negative. Customer can deposit money any time and can write unlimited
cheque within the assigned borrowing limit. To avail this facility the bank simply marks a
lien on the preferred mode of collateral.
As a standard a customer can borrow upto 75% of the collateral value. Markup rate is
from 7% to 12%, it depends on the
• Security
• Assigned limit to borrow
• Time limit to repay
Mark up is calculated on daily basis and is chargeable quarterly.
Documents required:
• Offer letter
• Undertaking
• Prudential regulations compliance sheet
• Quarterly markup authority
• Demand promissory note (promises to pay on demand)
• Letter of lien
• Borrowers basic fact sheet
• Application for facility against deposit/ security/ financial guarantee
• KYC (Know your customer)
• Income tax declaration
• Chattels (a security document issued by State Bank of Pakistan)
SCB deals in two major credit cards brands i.e. Visa Card and MasterCard. These cards
offer financial flexibility, worldwide acceptance, and round-the-clock convenience. SCB
cards are welcomed at the largest number of merchant outlets across the world.
Revolving credit facility is provided to customers allowing them to repay their card
outstanding over time, at their own convenience.
Cash withdrawal is in local currency at Visa and MasterCard linked ATMs across the
world. The cards are available in 3 categories i.e. Platinum, Gold or Classic cards,
tailored to suit different lifestyles and needs of customers. The cards come with special
privileges and security and offer attractive reward programs. One can also have a photo
on the card and have it converted into a Photo card.
• Easy deposit and withdrawals from any Standard Chartered branch across
Pakistan
• Minimum opening balance as low as PKR 50,000
• Profit calculated on daily balances
• Profit is credited to account on a six monthly basis in January and July
• Unlimited chequing facility
• Tiered profit rates mean that customer’s earn more as their balances climbs.
• Taxes and Zakat are applicable
• Free 24 hour mobile banking facility
• HIGH YIELD:
High Yield Account offers the dual advantages of earning profit without sacrificing
liquidity. A tiered rate structure automatically adjusts return relative to balance of
account, resulting in higher absolute returns. At SCG there are four distinct tiers with
different rates.
At a glance:
• Minimum opening deposit of PKR 500,000
• The higher the balance, the more profit customer earns
• 24 hour banking giving customers day and night access to their saving throughout
the year
• Profit earned on daily balance is credited to account at end of each month
• Profit is paid monthly
• High Yield Accounts offer an unlimited transaction facility without any charges.
• No charges are levied even if balance falls below PKR 500,000.
• ATM card provided.
• Taxes and Zakat are applicable
• US$ ACCOUNT:
SCG also offers current and savings accounts in US Dollars.
At a glance:
• Unlimited chequing facility
• Funds from new foreign currency accounts freely remittable
• No Zakat or withholding tax deductions
• PKR overdraft facility available
PRIORITY BANKING
As an exclusive program of personalized banking for those who wish to get more benefits
out of their bank. SCB Priority Banking caters to the banking and investment needs of
successful individuals who are busy with work and family commitments. Priority
Banking offers privilege and preferred financial solutions tailored according to the
individual needs of the priority customer. Individual attention as well as international
banking and investment opportunity is offered to meet the current and future needs of
priority customers. Besides providing unique financial planning service that provides
customized solutions for the financial needs, investment and risk profile and priorities in
life of customers, SCB also provides global access to banking and lifestyle privileges
through their Priority Card facility. SCG has an international presence supporting
customers across more than 50 Priority Banking Centers in 23 countries.
CASH MANAGEMENT
SCG is highly recognized as a leading cash management supplier across the emerging
markets. Its Cash Management Services cover local and cross border payments,
collections, information management, account services and liquidity management for
both corporate and institutional customers.
The Cash Management Services are there to:
• manage the availability of customers funds efficiently
• monitor and control the movement f funds
• Settle payments to the suppliers of customers in a timely and cost-effective
manner.
• capture every investment opportunity to increase income of customers
The purpose of the Cash Management Services is to manage the cash flows of
corporations more accurately. Customer companies will have the flexibility to manage
their company’s complete financial position directly from their computer workstations.
They can also take advantage of products like payments, collections, liquidity and
investment services.
BENEFITS
• Cost savings
• Enhanced security
• Time savings
• Better control of your cash
• Improved relations with your vendors
• Simplified reconciliation
• Simple to operate
• Backed by dedicated customer service
NCS offers three types of collection, which are explained below.
DIRECT COLLECTION
1. SCB accepts cash at all SCB branches (located in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad,
Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta and Sialkot).
2. The branch will raise an Inter Branch Credit Voucher (IBCV), for the total
amount of the day’s deposit, the same day with same day value. The IBCV will be
faxed to SCB Karachi the same day for crediting SCG’s main collection account.
All funds are transferred to the NCS account maintained at SCB Karachi.
COLLECTION SERVICES
Spending time going to the branch, completing the deposit forms, queuing up for a teller,
checking statements to find out when funds have arrived, and reconciling net proceeds
against deposits: all of these activities consume energy better spent on more productive
activities.
SCG’s Collection Services can assist customers in collecting their local and foreign
currency funds faster and more efficiently.
• International Collection Services
Clearing foreign currency cheques takes time and effort to deposit and to monitor.
International Collection Services (ICS) is an improved way to clear foreign currency
cheques. It makes foreign currency cheque deposits easier, faster and more predictable.
The newly redesigned deposit process includes a pre-completed foreign currency cheque
deposit slip contains all the customer company’s information and account details,
minimizing the time spent on completing forms. Guaranteed Collection is a new clearing
service, which guarantees the clearing period for cheques deposited by customers. On the
committed date, the bank credits the account of the customer with the amount of cheques,
regardless of whether or not the cheques have been cleared. By committing to the precise
date when they receive value, customers can better manage their cash flow. This service
is currently available for USD cheques drawn on US banks.
BENEFITS
• Offer comprehensive coverage for efficient clearing
• Improve your cash flow.
• Simplify reconciliation and reduce idle balances
• Receive better information
SERVICE FEATURES
• Cheques can be deposited from all over the country without having to have
multiple accounts.
• Funds can be credited to you quickly by way of automatic transfer to
Concentration Account.
• Concise summary of account status is sent to clients in the form of a Deposit
Reconciliation Report, a Consolidated Cash Inflow Forecast Report, a Return
Statement an Activity Report and a Billing Statement to simplify record-keeping
and reconciliation processes.
• If cheques are returned for some reason, clients are be immediately informed of
the details and the reason.
• Receive pre-agreed availability, based on cheque types, into central concentration
account.
1. Deposit Report: provides a list of deposits made during the day in your accounts
and their value dates for clearance.
2. Cash Flow Forecast Report: provides a summary of credits for the day.
3. Return Cheques Report: highlights a list of uncleared or dishonored cheques
along with the reasoning stated by the respective drawee bank.
4. Reconciliation Statement: lists all the accounting entries passed to customer’s
core amount.
PREMIUM SERVICE BANKING (“PSB”)
Premium Service Banking is a packaged product enabling the bank to come to client’s
doorstep rather than having to come to the bank. PSB enable them to communicate to the
bank in an efficient and timely manner for speedy resolution of their day-to-day queries.
It has a simple yet efficient mix of service delivery solutions including hotline service,
courier, inward remittance information, return cheque notification, auto fax reports of
money market ‘ foreign exchange and account related information. All the above services
are housed under one set up ensuring efficient turnaround and service delivery as and
when required.
How it works:
Modules:
• PSB Courier: The bank provides the convenience and security of daily courier
pick-up and delivery services at customer’s premises for their routine banking
transactions. The services are available for cheque deposit, trade finance
documents, payment instructions, chequebook requests etc.
• PSB Hotline: Hotline ' 111-600-600 will connect customers to their very own
service respective who will resolve all day to day queries.
• PSB Auto Fax Reports: It provides customers with a detailed account statement
covering balance and transaction information. They have the option to select from
a daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly frequency.
• PSB Information Module: 2 types of report are provided under this module i.e.
cash reports, and foreign exchange ‘Money Market updates. Under cash reports
PSB provides auto faxed account statements with extensive transaction based
information, loans and fixed deposits reports with complete details i.e. amount,
maturity, interest rate, rollover dates etc. The Foreign Exchange / Money Market
updates provide daily and weekly data on rates, market announcements, key index
movements, and concise market commentary in local and international arenas.
• PSB Inward SWIFT Remittance Service: The Inward Remittance report provides
a pre-advice of all inward SWIFT funds transfers. Or Inward Telexes: Complete
information about who send the fund to the organization.
• PSB Return Cheque Notification: Information to be based on fax instructions with
the use of our standard fax indemnity.
PSB also allows instructing SCB to execute transactions based on fax instructions
with the use of standards fax indemnity.
4.22 ELECTRONIC BANKING (“EB”)
E Banking is fully integrated electronic banking service enabling to initiate transactions
and receive account information at customers PC. E-Banking is a multi-bank, cross-
border, cross currency system, which is ISO 9002 certified e-Banking provides a secure,
reliable and effective link between the accounts you maintain with SCB anywhere in the
world. The primary capabilities of the system include:
• Prior day reporting for current and savings accounts.
• Multi-bank reporting capabilities.
• Cash initiation capabilities including Pay Orders, Demand Drafts, and
Telegraphic Transfers and Standard Chartered Account transfers.
• Remote Authorization.
• Trade transaction initiation.
Cash Pick-up & Delivery service provides the convenience and security of having your
cash collected from and / or delivered to customers premises.
Customer Benefits
• Transaction at your doorstep. A security company will pick-up and / or deliver
cash at your designated premises.
• The security company chosen is one the most reliable security companies in the
country. The security companies collects and / or deliver cash in a sealed
container. Cash whilst in transit will be fully covered by insurance up to a
specified limit.
• No need to maintain multiple accounts for each of your collection centers; cash is
deposited at specified concentration account with Standard Chartered.
• Rationalization in the number of bank accounts will facilitate your reconciliation
process.
• This service in tandem with PSB product will help reduce daily visits to the bank
and therefore, all associated costs such as vehicle, petrol and taxi fare. In addition,
cash in transit insurance is economized on or eliminated altogether.
• All cash is insured up to PKR 1 million per container and PKR 30 million per
van, whilst in the custody of the security company.
BENEFITS PLUS
Benefit PLUS able to outsource all fund related activities to SCB (including provident
fund, gratuity and pension). The fund trustees, while minimizing internal burdens, offer
this product as part of cash management product line with the ultimate goal of
streamlining the administration of staff funds held in trust. In large organizations,
administering fund accounts can be cumbersome and divert the valuable time of
professionals within the Company. The services provided can be classified into several
categories:
SAFEKEEPING
Through Benefit Plus, one avails SCB’s Safekeeping services. Trustees are often faced
with the lodgment of valuable government securities in several locations, including their
own vaults, which present obvious operational risk issues. SCB, as a trusted financial
institution, has the necessary infrastructure and resources to allow outsourcing of this
administrative activity. The safekeeping services offered are:
• Safekeeping of Government securities / other debt instruments.
• Dividend / Bonus share collection, Right Share payment etc.
TOTAL FLEXIBILITY
The Bank provides a tailor-made service package, combining various elements of the
foregoing product features with their range of existing products and services, according
to specific requirements.
The charge includes the following services for Fund accounts:
PRODUCT FEATURES:
• No minimum balance requirement.
• Salary starts earning profit from the day it is credited, unlike other accounts where
profits are calculated on the minimum balance during the month.
• The profit earning will be credited to the account each month, unlike other
accounts where it is credited on a six monthly basis.
• Flex entitles the employees to a free ATM card (see below for details of our ATM
services)
• ATM card can be used to avail exciting discounts at more than 100 outlets across
the country.
• The employees can also avail free phone banking services.
How to gain maximum advantage from Flex account?
• Access account information through mini statements from the ATM or phone
banking; a detailed account statement sent to the account holders annually.
• By using the ATM for withdrawals the employees can avoid the PKR 50
transaction charge at the bank counter.
• A 25-leaf chequebook will be issued to the employees free of cost; subsequent
chequebooks will be issued at the rate of PKR 10 per leaf. By using the
chequebook smartly one can avoid these charges.
• To become a “Flex” customer, the existing savings or current account will have to
be closed and a new account will be opened in this category. New chequebook,
ATM card and Phone banking TIN with this account will be issued to each
employee upon completion of the documentation.
• ATM services: Currently the Bank has the largest network amongst foreign banks
of 15 online ATMs. Very soon, 10 new ATMs will be added at our branches and
other convenient customers access to their MNET network of over 100 ATMs
across Pakistan (there is a nominal transaction free for using MCB ATMs).
SWOT Analysis
“SWOT is an acronym that stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats”.
SWOT Analysis is a tool used for analyzing the internal and external environs of an
organization. SWOT, which is also called TOWS matrix, stands for Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. To evaluate an organization and forecast for its
future, it is essential to analyze the organization from inside out, taking both external and
internal factors into consideration. Every organization, no matter how perfect or
imperfect, will have certain strengths as well as weaknesses inherently present in it.
Similarly, no organization, no matter how big or small, can exist in isolation. The threats
and opportunities existing in the external environments surrounding it will influence the
performance as well as future state of the organization. Therefore, the SWOT analysis
plays a very important role in understanding and appraising a business entity and it is an
important decision making tool.
5.1 STRENGTHS
Organizational strength is defined as, “A skill or capability that enables an organization
to conceive of and implement its strategies”
Member of CHAPS
They are one of 16 direct settlement members of the British Pound Sterling (SWIFT
Code GBP) same-day value electronic payment system, CHAPS, which operates on a
Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) basis. As one of CHAPS clearing banks Standard
Chartered has an impressive operation with outstanding capabilities, excellent systems
and the capacity to take on additional volume without adversely affecting high service
levels.
Technological Advancement
Standard Chartered Bank has a policy of keeping it self up to date in terms of
technological development. The social attitudes towards Banking is changing as customer
now also look for their convenience apart from other factors and that’s why internet
banking is now the hot topic of discussion in the board room meetings of bankers. The
trend of internet banking is developing slowly as compare to the US, but Standard
Chartered is taking no risks and has already started internet banking and is all geared up
for this new technology. They have a separate new product development team to create
banking products according to the changing trends of the society and want to be a leader
in meeting the new demands of the potential customers.
SCG is one of the few banks that offer on-line banking in Pakistan. Its ATM and e-
statement services make it a very convenient place to bank at.
As a benefit of its long history and prestigious name, SCG possesses a strong market
share in Pakistan. The progressive and innovative Consumer Banking structure of the
bank, which offers a broad range of products and services to customers under one roof,
strengthens this position. Another perk that the Bank offers its customers is non-stop
banking operation from nine to five. All services, products and operations are available
during this time span.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Many of the newer banks have no provisions in their portfolios for bad debts, which
might not appear important at present but in a period of say three to four years, when loan
recovery starts this shortcoming in the portfolio could become a serious threat to
earnings. SCG on the other hand has always been prudent when hedging against risks and
believes in keeping adequate provisions for bad debts. It has increased its provision for
bad debts and cut down on advances to take effective steps against probable frauds and
bankruptcies of clients.
PRESENTATION
Appearances make a big impression on customers as well investors and employees.
Keeping this in mind, the SCG building has been renovated and redone to give an
impressive and posh look. The interior of the bank premises speaks of modernity and
good taste, which is in line with the perceived image of the bank. The SCG building is
located in a clean and peaceful locality in Peshawar. Employees dress very
professionally, keeping the strict dress code in mind. Such a work force creates a modern,
charged and comfortable environment inside the bank.
CORPORATE BUSINESS
The Cash Management section at SCB is a new concept in Corporate Banking. Corporate
business in NWFP region is very poorly facilitated and SCB has been trying to introduce
new products and services to serve it better. The bank offers corporations financial advice
on utilizing their surplus cash. Through their efforts, SCB has landed the account of many
large organizations, the largest of which is United Nations. SCB also assists humanitarian
organizations and aid agencies in Afghanistan through its Development Organization
team and is on standby to deal with their requests.
CENTRALIZATION
Due to centralization the operating expense is continuously decreasing since 2000. The
cost income ratio has improved to 54%.
5.2 WEAKNESSES
“A skill or capability that does not enable an organization to grow”
MANAGEMENT
SCG has recently been centralized to make it more cost effective and efficient. Flattening
the organization and cutting down staff might have its perks but it seems to be doing
more harm than good. Communication between the banks has been poorly affected and
quality of customer services offered has gone down. The Officers in the network
branches are not involved in the operations of the bank, making processes lengthier as a
result. 7Risk has also increased due to on-line banking. As a result of the of work force,
the remaining staff at the bank seems to be over burdened, especially during peak
banking hours.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
Internships programs are a new trend in our part of the world, helping to train and prepare
students better for the professional world. It is a process that is not only of benefit to
students but to organizations as well, which will have a better-equipped work pool to
choose from. Although banks in Peshawar take interns for training, yet most of them have
not taken the trouble to develop a proper training program for the interns. SCG also falls
into the category of such banks that do not take trouble with their interns. Interns are not
taken seriously enough and are at times left to their own devices, leaving them with a
vague understanding of the banking process at the end of the internship period.8
Bank Building
Although nicely set up and decorated, the bank building needs to be expanded further. It
is a bit cramped at the moment.
5.3 OPPORTUNITIES
“An area in the organization that, if exploited, may generate high performance”
EMERGING MARKETS
Standard Chartered saw an opportunity to invest and expand in the emerging markets,
from which the traditional banks were a bit shy. To become number one in the Middle
East and South Asia they acquired Grindlays and the associated private banking business
7
Certo, Samuel. C. (1997). Modern Management, New York: Prentice Hall International, Inc. p.
232.
8
Source:www.standardchartered.com.pk/internships
for US $ 1.34 billion. Similarly to become number one in Hong Kong they acquired
Chase Hong Kong consumer banking operations for USD $ 1.32 billion. And sold their
chartered trust for £ 627 million in UK where the market was already saturated. Standard
Chartered Bank purchased PT Bank Ball, Indonesia’s third largest private bank in 1999,
thus becoming number one foreign bank in that country. Standard Chartered is
considering expansion in the Far East by wanting to acquire retail bank in Taiwan and a
consumer debt portfolio in Korea.
GLOBAL MARKET
• The greatest opportunity for the business sector that has manifested itself in
present times is of course, the development of the Afghan nation. A peaceful and
developed Afghanistan will present tremendous opportunities for businesses of all sorts.
Peshawar, due to its strategic geographic position will no doubt play a crucial role in this
economic development, making it an ideal spot for banks to invest in. NWFP is the place
where the majority of purchases for the Afghan reconstruction are made, meaning that a
lot of capital is being circulated in the region. A bank like SCG has the experience and
resources to take full advantage of an opportunity of this magnitude. Also, SCG can
venture out to be one of the first banks to be established in the post war Afghanistan.
• The substantial fall in US dollar interest rates provides an important opportunity
for banks to increase their revenue.
Trade Globalization
• Another opportunity that the Afghanistan situation presents is the probable
development of a trade route to Central Asia through Afghanistan, if peace prevails there.
This will present an even bigger opportunity for banks to generate business, as a lot of
cash will be passing their way. Traders will need banks to do business.
• Other than the Afghan market, growth is expected in Asian markets all over, with
China leading the way. With increased global trading and the World Trade Organization
regulations coming into effect the volume of business in Asia will increase.
MARKET GROWTH
• Strong growth is also expected in high yield products, credit cards and wealth
management. Credit cards business has immense growth potential. The proportions of
affluent families are growing rapidly in Pakistan. Low levels of debt and low usage of
cards characterize this part of the population. This means there is still a lot of room left
for doing business and a large segment of the market is still uncaptured as far as credit
cards are concerned.
• With the globalization of the world, large numbers of Asian students are going
abroad to study or to work. This is also true in Pakistan where every year hundreds of
students leave for foreign countries to study. To take advantage of this development, SCB
should concentrate on developing products and services, which will be especially
beneficial to traveling students, taking advantage of this relatively new market segment.
A lending program can also be developed for students going abroad for higher studies.
• Over the last few years people have realized that they are working in an
environment of constant fluctuation and change and uncertainty about the future. Those
people, who have created wealth, are starting to try and ensure some certainty for their
children and their families. That's why the trust and estate planning business has started
growing rapidly in Asia. SCB has already started to grow its trust business and is placing
experts on grounds where this business is greatly in demand.
• Statistics show that four in five of Asia's wealthiest families currently don't use
private banks. That suggests that the market is still relatively fragmented. The Asian
clients SCB knows and has banked with trust SCB and that is where it has the capacity to
grow quickly. SCB has an unrivalled market opportunity.
• Standard Chartered is currently bidding for a controlling stake in the Bank Central
Asia in Indonesia. Bank Central Asia is one of Indonesia’s leading banks with a robust
financial performance. It has a primary retail customer base with limited exposure to the
corporate sector. It has 800 branches, 2,200 ATMs and it is the heart of the Indonesian
payment system.
Should Standard Chartered win this bid, Bank Central Asia will operate as a stand alone
strategic investment.
POLITICAL/LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
An amendment made in the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Act in 1997, debars any
governmental or quasi governmental body or agency from issuing directly or indirectly to
any banking company or any other financial institution regulated by the State Bank of
Pakistan, which is inconsistent with the policies and regulations issued by the bank, or
any other law in force. The present government has through an ordinance approved on
September 2, 2002 re-enforced this law. This amendment was designated to protect the
banker from pressures they have been subjected to in the past for financing populist
schemes with doubtful economic justifications. The SBP has also been assured its
autonomy in determining the extent of government borrowing from the commercial
banks. The substantially enhanced authority and autonomy of SBP would greatly
facilitate the realization of high growth targets for the economy in a milieu characterized
by internal and external stability.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
With prospects of an improvement in the operational side as well as hope that industrial
growth will pick up, banking is looking at a bright future in the country. Steps are being
taken to improve financial infrastructure in the country and the steadily growing economy
will create a more dynamic role for bank policies. Human resource is adequately placed
to assume its role in this reform process. Although there are concerns in certain areas, it is
felt that the outlook for the sector is positive. Another major development has been that
foreign banks, especially the major players, Citibank, ABN-Amro and Standard
Chartered Bank, have repositioned themselves and their business is growing. Different
banks have taken different postures. The focus of major foreign banks has shifted to
consumer banking. With the State Bank being supportive of their efforts, the foreign
banks are looking for more; whether it is corporate financing, credit cards or mortgage
financing.
5.4 Threats
Where opportunities exist threats are also not far behind. “An area in the environment
that increases the difficulty of an organizations achieving high performance”
THREATS OF SUBSTITUTIONS
The threat of substitution is always there as any business, which can attract the money of
the bank customer, is a threat, especially the government bonds.
In UK all the major retail banks are aggressively promoting Internet banking. Some are
using the Internet as one of many distribution channels for a variety of products and
services; other have created new internet-only banks, thereby taking advantage of lower
market entry costs to capture new customers and gain an early share of a very large
personal banking market.
THREATS OF ENTRY
The market for personal banking services, which began with the arrival of telephone
banking and the development of call centers, is now being engulfed by the Internet
banking. Consolidation, in the form of mergers and acquisition, has been a future of the
banking market since 1994, as large companies have sought to gain economies of scale
and improved distribution. Paradoxically, as the major banking and financial services
groups increase in size, they face new competition from more flexible and often smaller
new entrants. As a result the battle is now the traditional banks, which offer multi channel
access, and a new breed of ‘pure –play’ banks offering internet –only services. Today the
main threat of entry is low but the bigger threat is of mergers, acquisitions and aggressive
takeovers. The recent trend of expansion in banking industry has made all banks
vulnerable to such threats even the larger banks are now at an alert.
BARGAINING POWER OF CUSTOMERS
The recent economic boom in Europe and UK has created a new class of millionaires due
to drastic increases in the share market. These potential customers have indeed a great
bargaining power over the banks.
GLOBAL RECESSION
Economy is one of the major external factors influencing the existence and functioning of
a business entity. The economic situation in the year 2002 was pretty dark. With global
recession, the September 11 events and War on Terrorism, the business sector scenario
was bleak. Trade slowed down and oil prices fell. There was uncertainty in global
markets and consumer confidence was badly hurt. Due to such calamities business at
banks also slowed down and the rate of bad debts went up, as many businessmen went
bankrupt. Even today, in the year 2004, the world is still not out of the danger zone as far
as the economic recession is concerned and the business sector might take a long time in
getting back on its feet.
9
Farooqi, Shakeel. (1999). Glossary Banking and Finance. Pakistan: State Bank of Pakistan. p.788.
credit portfolios, the question that needs to be answered is about future profitability of the
industry in times of intense competition for chasing cheap deposits and risk worthy
borrowers. Deposits are becoming increasingly expensive and lending rates, with or
without a cap on them, cannot be raised by banks beyond a certain limit. Blue chip
clients, who constitute the major portion of most of the banks' borrowers, do not pay
beyond a certain level of interest and hence banks are facing a tight squeeze.
Political Environment
As everyone knows, the political environment in Pakistan has hardly ever been stable,
which is one of the reasons investors have stayed away from this region. With a feeling
of uncertainty in the air, no one is sure yet of how the future will turn out to be for the
business and financial sectors.
The growing resentment of Muslims towards western nations and the rise of terrorism in
the country is a very bad omen for western banks such as Standard Chartered Grindlays.
Western banks are a very likely target for terrorist attacks. The risk to the safety and
security of such banks existing in Pakistan has increased manifolds since the September
11 events.
Standard Chartered Grindlays also offers mortgage services to its clients. However, there
are still hurdles that limit the scope of mortgage financing. The legal system has been a
big handicap especially for recovery of debts.
A major problem is now the legal title to property. A very small portion of the property in
a city like Karachi has legal titles. The PBA president estimates that 90 per cent of the
high-rise buildings have been built illegally and they do not have any permission. It is a
big chunk of the property, which the banks cannot support. The State has to encourage
mortgage financing by changing the laws, if it wants to encourage the people to buy and
to build houses. If there is no legal title, it becomes difficult for the banks to take up
proper mortgage and to lend against them. The government should look into this and
expedite it.
COMPETITION
One of the biggest threat SCB faces is competition from both local as well as foreign
banks. So far SCB has been the market leader in the banking sector of NWFP, but with
the arrival of Citibank in the region all that might change. There are many foreign banks
operating in the country like ABN AMRO, American Express Bank, Bank of America,
Banque Indosuez, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Doha Bank, Emirates Bank, Al-Mashriq
Bank, Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, Rupali
Bank, Societe Generale, IFIC Bank and Habib Bank AG and a few others. SCG faces
tough competition from such foreign banks, especially big names like ABN AMRO,
American Express and Citibank.
Moreover the local banks are also there to compete with and their situation might
improve a lot with privatization. The nationalized banks have the lions share and along
with ABL and MCB account for about 80 per cent of the national deposit base, whereas
foreign banks have only 15% of deposits and 16% of advances. A few Arab bankers have
already bought a few banks in Pakistan and others are gauging the prospects with an aim
to earn good profit from the country’s fast developing capital and money markets.
Pakistani’s share a religious bond with the Arabs, which is why they love the Arabs and
prefer them to western nations. Arab banks are very keen on establishing Islamic Banking
as the banking of first choice, offering a one-stop shop for innovative value added
products and services to customers within the bounds of the Shariah. This makes Arab
banks more acceptable and appealing to citizens living in a Muslim country such as
Pakistan. With growing hostilities among the masses towards western nations, western
banks might suffer a boycott from many of their customers who will prefer to take their
money to Muslim owned banks.
Despite a stagnant deposit base in the past two years, bankers say nationalized and
private commercial banks in Pakistan have increased the market share at the expense of
foreign banks, because of the latter's reliance on foreign currency accounts, before the
freeze in May 1998.
MODARABAS
Modarabas are the most regulated financial sector with several restrictions to the source
of their funds and controls over payoff timetables as well. Strict regulations implemented
by the State Bank of Pakistan and the Corporate Law Authority have contributed
substantially to dampening the future prospects for this financial instrument, introduced
by the Pakistan government in the early eighties. It does not hold as much promise as it
once did.
Historically Modarabas possess the best performing financial sector stocks but without
the financial backing or access to regular funding lines from Islamic banks they are
finding it difficult to sustain earnings growth and operating income momentum. There
does not appear to be too much scope for this mode of "Islamic financing" in Pakistan
where commercial banks are already fighting for breathing space. Unless there is some
kind of improvement in the environment, Modarabas appear to be headed towards
extinction. This is bad news for the First Grindlays Modaraba, a subsidiary of the SCB.
STATE BANK
Volumes in inter-bank foreign exchange market have almost halved in the past two years
for several reasons. One of these reasons is that the State Bank refrains all banks from
transacting any foreign exchange deal not backed by a commercial transaction. Another
is that SBP has been buying huge amounts of dollars from the open market besides
directing some corporates to buy foreign exchange from kerb only recently. If the State
Bank allowed banks to make forex deals not backed by commercial transactions it would
create depth in the inter-bank market. If SBP buying practice from the open market were
allowed to go on it would create an irreversible distortion in the financial sector. By
allowing corporates to buy foreign exchange from the open market instead of the inter-
bank market, the State Bank is creating a bad precedence. If SBP stopped dollar buying
from the kerb it would eventually lead to larger inflows of foreign exchange in the inter-
bank market. Whereas the foreign bankers readily accepted this argument in their
meetings with a four member IMF technical mission, the local bankers have termed it
naive when it came under discussions with them. Foreign bankers informed the mission
that even after lifting a cap on the inter-bank exchange rate SBP continues to issue verbal
instructions to individual banks if the rates go past a certain level.
Chapter 6
RECOMMENDATIONS
Standard Chartered Grindlays is doing pretty well in the market and has always been
ahead of competition in NWFP. However, there is always room for improvement no
matter how perfect the system of the organization. This recommendation is given to help
SCB improve upon the existing systems and facilities and has also take into account the
observations of people other than the bank employees.
1. The first thing that SCB needs to do is to prepare for the tough competition
impending, especially the arrival of a formidable competitor such as Citibank. SCB at
Peshawar needs to increase its advertising budget and be creative and diligent in
promoting its brand. It should start putting up billboard signs; advertise in electronic
and print media. Another way of promotion is to get more involved in community
welfare projects. SCB already had a strong market position and a popular brand in the
country. Local banks and other foreign banks entering the market are relatively new
compared to the long history the SCB. SCB can capitalize on this edge and further
strengthen its position. It should become fiercely competitive and strengthen its
market position further. The bottom line is that SCB should no longer take its
superior position and image in the market for granted because soon new and better
will be appearing in NWFP. It must vigorously market itself and introduce new
products to stay at top.
2. Citizens of an Islamic country such as Pakistan want the banking system to conform
to the Shariah Arab banks are gaining in popularity due to their expertise to Islamic
Banking. To combat this competition, SCB should develop a range of products which
would be compatible with Islamic Banking tenants and which might attract the
religious minded faction of society to bank with them. Besides the wide range of
current accounts, Riba free term deposits, just like some Arab origin banks have
introduced, have also been started at SCB
3. As the focus shifted to the rupee banking, the issue of branch network and contestable
markets became increasingly important. Foreign banks need to forge alliances with
their local peers and corporate to boost their business like Citibank, which has sold its
investment bank to a local brokerage house to focus on its main line of business.
4. The global recession has already robbed the masses of their earning and savings to a
substantial degree. People cannot afford to be careless with their money and they will
opt for the best investment opportunity they can get. If banks offer interest rates that
are too low, people will take their money and invest in more profitable assets such as
real estate.
With competition heightening all around it, SCB should take care that it doesn’t lose
its customers to banks, which offer them higher profit on their deposits. SCB needs to
bring its profit rates at par with the rates prevailing in the market or customers will
feel deprived and they will take their business to other banks.
5. Motivation of the work force is very important for any sort of organization. If the
employees feel neglected and insecure in their jobs it will affect the quality of their
work and employee turnover rate might rise. SCB is a very flat organization with
little room for promotion of employees. Although the staff there is young and
energetic, it lacks proper training and motivation. The salaries of the junior staff at the
bank are lower. Annual bonuses are given out to deserving employees but it takes a
long time for employee to receive credit that is due.
6. Learning by trial and error is a very expensive and time-consuming exercise, which is
why extensive training is a must for employees. Although the work forces at the bank
are mostly young and academically qualified, it could still do with some training.
Standard Chartered is a large organization with an international network. Employees
from more developed countries like Europe and US should be asked to pay visits to
developing countries such as Pakistan and hold workshops and training programs for
the employees here. Specialists, both national and international should be brought to
train the staff. This should become a regular exercise, repeated as often as feasible for
the bank. This way employee at the local branches of the bank will gain an
international perspective on the organization they work for and they will benefit a
great deal from the experiences and knowledge of employees from foreign branches.
7. Job rotations and transfers could help keep the employees from getting bored with their
jobs and also serve as a training tool. The best and most deserving employees of the
bank should get a chance to travel abroad and gain some experience working in
foreign branches of the bank. Others could be rotated within the country or even
within the branch. This strategy can be used not only to train employees but also as a
reward for good work. The prospect of being transferred abroad or locally for a
period of time might motivate the personnel to work harder at their jobs. Travel could
become a part of the compensation on package for employees at the bank.
8. The bank should be more participatory and team oriented. Departments and
employees should not be alienated from each other. All employees need to feel that
they are part of one whole and they need to work as a group rather in isolation to
move the organization forwards. Employees need to understand that their personal
goals and those of the organization should match so that when they work to make the
organization a success they will know that they are also pushing their own goals
forwards.
9. One expects a bank like SCB to be more professional and better organized than other
banks in the region. But it when it comes to interns, the bank is as irresponsible as its
competitors. There is a lack of a proper internship program and interns are trained in
very discouraging manner way. They are not taken seriously enough and are often
neglected or given menial tasks just to get them out of the way and keep them busy.
This is a very wrong of attitude for a professional bank like SCB to adopt. It needs to
develop a proper and standard training program for interns and make sure that the
trainees get a thorough understanding of the bank and its functions. A proper schedule
needs to be developed and a trainer should be appointed to carry out the training
program.
10. Due to the flat structure of the bank there is a lot of works load on each employee,
specially the junior staff. Usually, the CRO’s job is related with operations and
customers relations. But here in SCB they are also given targets to bring in new
accounts. Due to this they cannot attend the customers properly. Also their work is
sometime delayed which causes the dissatisfaction among customers.
11. Centralization customers are facing problems. The head office is in Karachi and every
thing gets approved and comes from there. Before centralization, the account would
be opened immediately and check books given on the spot. But now it takes at least
two days for an account to start functioning and the check takes 5 to 6 days. Lending
also takes 4 to 5 days. It is recommended that steps should be taken to overcome this
time delay. Some authority must be given to the branches.
12. Customers also complain about long queues. To avoid this the following step
could be taken:
→ Tellers, The number of tellers should be increased.
→ Electronic Waiting Token Facility, Token facility should be introduced for
the convenience of the customers and proper management.
13. The ATM machine is usually down. Steps should be taken to make it work
efficiently. Although the customers have increased access to ATM’s as they can
also use MCB’s (Muslim Commercial Bank) system, but they are charged Rs.40 per
transaction. So, the bank being such a reputed and large foreign bank should
increase the number of its own ATM machines.
ATM cards are usually trapped in the machines and the customers are asked to
come the next day to pick them. The ATM cards should be given back to the
customers on the spot, as it is not a difficult or a time consuming task. It gives a lot
of trouble to the customers.
14. Debit Cards should be introduced, as there are no interest charges on it as is in the
case of the credit cards. It can also help increase the customers and give it an edge
over other foreign banks.
15 Locker charges are very high due to which half of the bank’s lockers are unsold.
16. SCG needs to expand its building at the Peshawar branch to be more
accommodating and comfortable. At present it is getting a bit cramped. Business is
expected to grow in the future and the bank needs to expand its space to
accommodate additional customers and business. An additional floor needs to be
built on the bank, which would make it more spacious and comfortable. This will
become a priority in the future, when new services like priority –banking etc are
introduced at the Peshawar branch and existing business of the bank like credit
cards and wholesale banking increase to new levels. The staff occupies the available
space and no space is left for the customers. It is recommended that there should be
a separate parking for the staff as well as for the customers properly demarcated
with proper security measures. The environment of the bank for the handicapped
customers, where the step in the entrance and the wax-polished floor is unfriendly
for the special people. Otherwise the decor is well and is pleasing to the eye.
17. Mortgage one; an innovative product that allows customers to offset the interest
earned on the current accounts against the interest on their mortgage should be
introduced. It has been launched in other countries of the region and has gained a
strong market share and accounts for more than 40% of new sales.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
3. Farooqi, Shakeel. (1999). Glossary Banking and Finance. Pakistan: State Bank of
Pakistan. p.788.
4. Farooqi, Shakeel. (1999). Glossary Banking and Finance, Pakistan: State Bank of
Pakistan. p.564.
7. Sekran, U. (2000). Research Methods of Business”. USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. p.423.