Benjamin Hung’s Approach to Balancing Challenges in Asia
In an age of constant connectivity, where smartphones and live updates dominate, the flood of global news can make it challenging to avoid information overload. For many CEOs, including Benjamin Hung, the 57-year-old CEO of Standard Chartered (StanChart) Asia, managing this deluge while leading across 21 diverse markets in Asia is both demanding and invigorating.
“The endless news flow drives me crazy some days, but it’s also what keeps me energised,” Hung shared during a recent visit to Singapore. Here, StanChart announced plans to invest S$1 billion over the next five years, underscoring its confidence in the region’s growth.
Navigating geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and evolving policies, Hung focuses on filtering short-term noise from long-term opportunities. “There’s a lot of volatility. It’s our job to manage through that and stay focused on what matters,” said the Hong Kong-based banker, who has been with StanChart for three decades.
Hung is particularly optimistic about China’s future, emphasising the importance of its financial market reforms and its transition to a consumption-led economy. The yuan’s increased weighting in the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights basket further underscores its growing global relevance, a shift StanChart is poised to support.
The bank’s commitment to China is evident, with US$300 million dedicated to strengthening its China-related businesses, including its Greater Bay Area Centre. This investment aims to double profits from the region by 2024, showcasing StanChart’s confidence in Asia’s long-term potential.
Hung’s leadership extends beyond banking; he’s actively involved in shaping Hong Kong’s development and fostering healthy lifestyles. Known as StanChart’s “Marathon Man,” he was instrumental in launching the Hong Kong Marathon in 1997, a tradition that continues to inspire thousands across the bank’s markets today.
For Hung, banking is about more than profits. “There must be purpose in what we do daily,” he emphasised. His vision of driving commerce and improving livelihoods reflects his belief in a values-driven approach, essential for sustaining talent and trust in the business.
StanChart’s Asia-focused strategy and Hung’s leadership continue to demonstrate how purpose and adaptability can thrive even amid uncertainty.
