Standard Chartered Appoints Michelle Swanepoel to Lead Financing and Securities Services in MEA
Dubai, UAE – Standard Chartered has announced a significant leadership appointment, naming Michelle Swanepoel as the new Head of Financing and Securities Services (FSS) for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
Ms. Swanepoel, who will be based in Dubai, is set to assume her new responsibilities on July 1, 2026. In this pivotal role, she will spearhead the bank’s FSS business across the expansive MEA region. She succeeds Scott Dickinson, a veteran in financial services, who will retire from the bank on June 30, 2026, after an distinguished career spanning over four decades.
A Proven Leader with Extensive Regional Experience
Michelle Swanepoel brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record to her new position. She initially joined Standard Chartered in September 2017 as the Regional Head of Business Account Management for the Middle East and Africa. Her expertise was further recognized in May 2019 when she was appointed Regional Head of Securities Services for Africa. Demonstrating her growing influence and capabilities, her role expanded in September 2024 to include Head of Markets for South Africa.
Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of FSS, lauded Ms. Swanepoel’s contributions, stating, “Michelle has played a strong leadership role in the evolution of post-trade servicing across Sub-Saharan Africa, supporting capital market development, regulatory reform, enhanced investor access, and market infrastructure. She is a recognized industry subject matter expert.” Harwood-Jones expressed full confidence in Swanepoel’s ability to “drive further momentum in the region, building on the solid foundation established by Scott.”
Driving Innovation and Client Support
Commenting on her appointment, Michelle Swanepoel highlighted the immense potential within her new remit. “Our business across the Middle East and Africa presents a significant opportunity for us to support our clients by offering them innovative products across our markets,” she remarked. “I look forward to advancing this agenda, while remaining firmly anchored to delivering the trusted products and service excellence our clients rely on across our expansive footprint in both regions.”
Scott Dickinson’s Legacy
Scott Dickinson, who joined Standard Chartered in 2017, has been instrumental in leading the bank’s FSS franchise in MEA since 2019. During his tenure, he oversaw robust growth across the Middle East and Africa franchise, facilitating expansion into key markets such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Notably, he also played a crucial role in delivering the bank’s first Digital Asset Custody capability within the Dubai International Financial Centre, marking a significant step in the region’s financial innovation.
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