Standard Chartered PLC, the majority shareholder of Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited, has formally begun exploring the sale of its entire stake in the Botswana-listed lender, the bank disclosed in a further cautionary announcement on Tuesday.
The development significantly broadens the scope of the strategic review previously announced in November 2024, which had focused only on the possible disposal of the bank’s wealth and retail banking (WRB) business.
The board now says the group is assessing a full exit from its Botswana operation, citing the “strength of the Company, the attractiveness of the combined franchise and the complementary strength” of both the WRB and corporate and investment banking (CIB) businesses.
The proposed transaction remains in its early stages and is subject to regulatory approvals and prevailing market conditions. The bank cautioned shareholders that there is no certainty discussions will result in a formal deal and urged continued caution when trading in the company’s securities.
Standard Chartered Bank Botswana said it would issue a comprehensive announcement if and when a binding agreement is reached.
Standard Chartered Bank Botswana (SCBB) saw its half-year 2025 profit after tax plunge 38% to P107.9 million, down from P174.5 million a year earlier, as softer income and higher credit impairments weighed on performance.