Standard Chartered has officially transferred its banking operations in Cameroon to Access Bank Cameroon, completing the final phase of its planned exit from the market.

The move was confirmed in a statement issued on December 5, 2025.

The deal forms part of Standard Chartered’s wider strategy to streamline its presence in sub-Saharan Africa, following previous exits from Angola, The Gambia, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone.

The bank stated that the completion of the handover advances its objectives for global realignment.

“We are pleased to announce the successful handover of Standard Chartered’s Cameroon business to Access Bank Cameroon,” the statement said.

‘The handover is in line with Standard Chartered’s global strategy, aimed at achieving operational efficiencies, reducing complexity, and driving scale.”

In April 2022, Standard Chartered revealed plans to exit seven markets across Africa and the Middle East, including Cameroon, as part of a strategic review of its international operations.

The transfer to Access Bank marks the completion of Standard Chartered’s exit from Cameroon and opens a new chapter for Access Bank’s growth in Central Africa.

The financial institution has now exited Angola, The Gambia, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone.

Commenting on the transition, the Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Cameroon,
Anna Asonganyi, called the development a major milestone for the bank.

“This transition represents a pivotal moment for Standard Chartered as we refocus our efforts on our core strengths,” she said.

She emphasized that the bank focused on ensuring continuity and stability throughout the process, with staff and clients remaining at the heart of the transition.

Asonganyi expressed confidence that, under Access Bank’s ownership, both customers and employees would continue to receive the high level of service they had come to expect.

Also commenting on the development, Managing Director and CEO for Kenya, Kariuki Ngari, stated that the divestment is in line with the bank’s long-term strategic vision.

“In 2022, Standard Chartered announced the strategic decision to sell our business in seven markets in Africa and the Middle East, which allows us to deliver efficiencies, reduce complexity, drive scale and serve our clients where we can make the most impact,” he said.

“Today, Standard Chartered Cameroon officially transfers to Access Bank, and we have worked very closely together to complete this acquisition.”

Ngari expressed gratitude to Cameroonian regulators for their support and recognized the employees for their contributions during the transition, wishing them success in their future roles with Access Bank.