Human banking in the digital age: When people are at the center of every transformation

Digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) are opening a new race in the banking industry - where speed and technology become leading factors. In Standard Chartered Vietnam, success is not only measured by technology, but also by the way people adapt, learn, and grow together.

With the philosophy of “human bank”, Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam puts people at the center of all strategies. Technology is only truly meaningful when it serves people - from leadership strategy and people development to connecting with customers and serving the community.

Behind that journey are female leaders with courage, empathy and belief in human values. They not only deliver business results, but also cultivate culture, inspire and spread humanity to every corner of the organization.

The captain leads with empathy

With nearly three decades of experience at the bank, Nguyen Thuy Hanh, CEO and head of Coverage, takes the leading position where she manages with not only strategic vision and professional competence, but also with empathy. For her, leadership is not only about managing results, but also about nurturing people, unlocking potential and creating motivation for development.

Hanh believes that the true success of a bank lies not in the numbers on the report, but in the way that organization creates value for people. A great workplace is one where people are inspired to challenge themselves, pursue their passions, contribute and create a lasting mark.

By empowering and trusting the teams, she hopes her journey will inspire the next generation of leaders – especially the younger generation – to be confident and ready to step into new fields.

“I always support employees to change and give them opportunities to pursue their passions. When each individual finds meaning in their work, they not only succeed by themselves, but also contribute to the collective success of the team, and foster the sustainable development of the organization,” Hanh said.

The preserver and developer of sustainable values

In a filed which is often perceived as a hard and boring like compliance and risk management, Ngo Lan Anh, chief compliance officer, brings a humanistic perspective.

For her, compliance is not only about enforcing regulations but also about protecting the trust of customers, colleagues and the organization. Under her leadership, compliance becomes a culture of ethics and professional conduct, where each employee acts with integrity, transparency, and respect.

She is a pioneer in preventing financial crime and promoting initiatives on responsible AI, protecting personal data and preventing digital fraud, helping the bank grow safely, sustainably and socially.

As a passionate coach, Lan Anh always accompanies the team, unlocks their potential, and spreads positive spirits. These factors contribute to build an organization developing for people and by people - sustainable, guided by integrity and humanity.

Smart operation creator

In an era where technology plays a central role in innovation and creativity, Nguyen Ngoc Lan Anh, chief of technology and operations officer, believes that transformation comes from a journey of changing mindsets – helping people learn to work flexibly, be willing to experiment, and embrace change, new knowledge and technology. Along with innovation and transformation, she pays special attention to ensuring system security – the foundation for maintaining customer trust and sustainable operation of an organization.

“A system is only truly strong when it is both innovative and safe – so that people can feel secure in creating in a firmly protected environment,” Lan Anh shared.

The leader who spreads the brand promise “here for good”

If “human bank” is a story that puts people at the center of all activities, then Trinh Nhu Quynh, head of corporate affairs, brand and marketing, is the one who tells that story with emotions and actions. Under her leadership, the bank was honored as “The Most Inspiring Brand in Vietnam in 2025” (banking sector) for the fourth consecutive year by International Business Magazine.

One of the key highlights is the initiative of founding Green and Blue (G&B) Choir, whose members are Standard Chartered Vietnam employees, in the celebration of the bank’s 120 years in Vietnam.

The G&B Choir is the bank’s unique and distinguishing feature in promoting its humanistic brand in Vietnam. The choir has performed in many internal and external events, highly regarded by experts and rivals any professional choir.

Additionally, bringing the globally renowned Standard Chartered Marathon to Vietnam in 2024 is a bold breakthrough in a context where the country is nearly saturated with numerous small and large running races organized throughout the year.

Quynh said: "I hope that running enthusiasts will have the opportunity to access the prestigious Standard Chartered Marathon with its strict international standards right here in Vietnam. The Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race is not only a sporting event, but also a playground for sport and culture integration and connection.

"It also affirms Standard Chartered’s long-term commitment to sustainability and social responsibility that the bank has been delivering for over 120 years in Vietnam."

The leader who fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment

As leader of human resources department, Tran Minh Huong, head of Human Resource, believes that an organization is strong when its employees are fully developed – professionally, physically and mentally.

She is also a strong promoter of a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone is recognized. Under her leadership, the bank achieved EDGE LEAD certification - the leading certification for equity, diversity, and gender equality at the highest level. The bank has been certified as a “Great Place to Work” by Great Place To Work in 2025-2026.

“I believe that when employees feel safe and developed, they will be free to be creative, strive and spread good things,” she said.

Five female leaders, five different stories, but one common value: people are at the center of all transformation. No matter what role they play – operations, compliance, HR, marketing, or technology – they are all contributing to building a sustainable organization, and committed to a long-term development journey, by and for people.