Standard Chartered is strengthening its focus on India's Global Capability Centre ecosystem, combining its international banking network with more than 25 years of experience operating its own GCC in the country as multinational companies expand their technology and innovation operations.
The bank outlined its strategy at a GCC Conference in Bengaluru, which brought together industry leaders, policymakers and executives to discuss the next phase of India's capability centre market.
India currently hosts the world's largest GCC ecosystem, with companies increasingly using their centres for functions beyond traditional service delivery. Industry estimates cited by Standard Chartered project the country's GCC market to reach approximately $105 billion by 2030.
The momentum has continued in 2026, with 183 new GCCs established in India during the first half of the year, according to industry estimates cited by the bank.
Standard Chartered is positioning its banking capabilities around this expansion, supporting companies with financial requirements across both onshore and offshore operations. Its offering includes services for treasury centres, cross-border businesses and companies developing increasingly complex GCC operating models.
The bank said its international network and digital banking platforms can help companies manage financial operations as their capability centres expand across markets.
Tanuj Kapilashrami, Group Chief Operating Officer at Standard Chartered, said India's GCC sector is moving into a phase characterised by greater global ownership, innovation and strategic importance. She added that organisations building enterprise-critical capability centres increasingly require partners that understand both international banking and GCC operations.
Standard Chartered has operated its own GCC in India for more than 25 years. Its Chennai operations have expanded significantly over that period, with the bank recently highlighting a new office that accommodates nearly 13,000 employees.
That experience gives the bank exposure to the operational requirements involved in running a large global capability centre, alongside its role as a financial services provider to multinational companies.
P.D. Singh, Chief Executive Officer, India and South Asia at Standard Chartered, said organisations establishing globally connected capability centres must address both operational requirements and the financial complexities associated with scaling across markets.
The development of India's GCC ecosystem has accelerated as multinational companies move more technology, analytics, artificial intelligence, product development, finance and other strategic functions into the country.
GCCs that were previously associated primarily with cost-efficient back-office operations are increasingly taking responsibility for technology development, innovation and enterprise-wide functions. This shift is also increasing demand for specialised talent, digital infrastructure and financial services capable of supporting cross-border operations.
Standard Chartered's broader India presence extends beyond the GCC segment. The bank has operated in the country for more than 165 years and currently provides Corporate and Investment Banking as well as Wealth and Retail Banking services. India has also been among the significant contributors to its global business in recent years.
As more multinational companies expand their capability centres in India, Standard Chartered is seeking to use its position as both a GCC operator and an international bank to support businesses through different stages of their India expansion.
The strategy places the bank within a growing ecosystem around GCCs as India moves from being primarily a delivery location towards becoming a hub for technology, innovation and globally integrated business functions.