Standard Chartered has appointed Michelle Swanepoel as Head of Financing and Securities Services (FSS) for the Middle East and Africa (MEA). She will assume the role on 1 July 2026 and will be based in Dubai.
She succeeds Scott Dickinson, who will retire on 30 June after a career spanning more than four decades in financial services.
Leadership Transition Signals Continuity and Expansion
Swanepoel brings nearly a decade of experience within Standard Chartered. She joined the bank in 2017 and quickly rose through leadership roles. Initially, she led Business Account Management for MEA. Later, she became Regional Head of Securities Services for Africa in 2019.
Her responsibilities expanded further in 2024. At that point, she also took on the role of Head of Markets for South Africa. As a result, she has built strong expertise across custody, markets, and post-trade services.
According to Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of FSS, Swanepoel has played a key role in shaping post-trade services across Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, she has supported capital market development, regulatory reform, and investor access across the region.
Strong Track Record in Market Infrastructure and Innovation
Over the years, Swanepoel has contributed to strengthening financial market infrastructure in Africa. In addition, she has helped improve access for global investors while supporting regulatory evolution.
Consequently, her appointment reflects the bank’s focus on scaling its securities services platform. It also signals continued investment in innovation and regional market depth.
Harwood-Jones noted that Swanepoel is a recognised subject-matter expert. Therefore, she is expected to build on the existing platform and accelerate growth across MEA.
Outgoing Head Leaves Legacy of Growth and Digital Innovation
Meanwhile, Scott Dickinson exits after leading the FSS business across MEA since 2019. During his tenure, the bank expanded into key regional markets, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Importantly, he also oversaw the launch of the bank’s first Digital Asset Custody capability in the Dubai International Financial Centre. This marked a significant step in Standard Chartered’s digital asset strategy.
As a result, Dickinson leaves behind a stronger and more diversified regional franchise.
Financing & Securities Services: A Core Growth Engine
Standard Chartered’s FSS division provides custody, clearing, fiduciary, and fund services to institutional clients. It also offers digital asset solutions, reflecting the bank’s push toward next-generation finance.
The business operates across more than 100 markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Furthermore, it combines global scale with deep local expertise to support clients throughout the investment lifecycle.
Strategic Outlook
With Swanepoel at the helm, Standard Chartered is set to deepen its regional presence. At the same time, it aims to expand its capabilities in both traditional and digital asset servicing.
Therefore, this leadership move underscores the bank’s long-term commitment to MEA markets and its ambition to remain a key player in global securities services.
