The Singapore-based co-head of Standard Chartered’s investment bank has a job offer

If you’re a senior banker, rival organisations may try to hire you. Sometimes you’ll say yes. Sometimes you won’t. Sunil Kaushal appears to be deliberating.

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Kaushal is co-head of corporate and investment banking, based in Singapore, for Standard Chartered. It’s understood that he’s received a curious offer to work elsewhere. 

Standard Chartered isn’t commenting on Kaushal’s potential alternative role. It’s thought to involve a major Middle Eastern Bank with a sovereign wealth fund owner, which is looking for someone run its corporate and investment bank and global international banking business. 

Kaushil has worked for Standard Chartered since 1998 and might be open to a change of scene. However, he was only promoted as co-head of the investment bank in April 2024, so it’s early to be looking for a new role. 

Kaushil may, however, have his head turned. His suitor is understood to be in search of someone to grow its business in India, Pakistan, Asia and Africa via acquisitions. Kaushil looks apt for this endeavour, having been regional CEO of Standard Chartered’s Africa and Middle East bank for nine years before his promotion.

Kaushil’s co-head of Standard Chartered’s investment bank is London-based Roberto Hoornweg, the bank’s former head of global markets. The two men were appointed to the role in April when the previous incumbent, Simon Cooper, left to pursue other interests. 

Standard Chartered has spent this year stripping out costs by rationalising managerial layers in the style of Citi. While Sunil’s potential departure doesn’t appear to be by design, the bank might relish the opportunity to do without an expensive co-head without paying a severance cost. 

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