Standard Chartered has moved 70% of its global infrastructure footprint onto a software-defined private cloud built on VMware Cloud Foundation, cutting deployment time from weeks to a day as the bank modernises operations across its 54 markets.

Broadcom and Standard Chartered announced a long-term strategic commitment to accelerate the bank’s global infrastructure modernisation, establishing a secure, resilient private cloud foundation to support critical banking services worldwide. The bank has realigned its infrastructure delivery to a fully integrated, software-defined private cloud environment using VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), which embeds zero-trust security directly into the infrastructure layer.

Zero-trust security built into the infrastructure layer

According to the companies, VCF provides uninterrupted availability while compressing infrastructure deployment from weeks to a day. With 70% of its global footprint already running on the new architecture, Standard Chartered says it has demonstrated that a consistent private cloud model works at global scale — a foundation the bank is positioning for further secure, resilient and compliant banking innovation.

“Standardizing a fully virtualized software-defined infrastructure across our global operations enables Standard Chartered to meet the evolving demands of our clients while strengthening our technological core with the responsiveness, resilience and regulatory compliance that global banking demands. Our client-centric, long-term investments with global service providers, such as Broadcom, strengthen our ability to deliver always-on banking services in an ever changing and dynamic landscape,” said John Sharratt, Global Head of Technology and Infrastructure, Standard Chartered.

A wider industry shift toward infrastructure resilience

The partnership reflects a broader shift across financial services, where always-on banking expectations and tightening regulation mean infrastructure resilience and security can no longer be treated as an afterthought. By modernising the infrastructure underpinning its core banking, payments and digital services, Standard Chartered said it has strengthened its technology platform for sustainable growth and client-centric innovation, anchored on a secure and resilient private cloud foundation.

“Global financial institutions require infrastructure that combines resilience, security and operational simplicity at scale. Standard Chartered is at the forefront of digital banking innovation, and we are proud to support their journey toward a highly automated, AI-driven, modern private cloud with VMware Cloud Foundation,” said Krish Prasad, Senior Vice President and General Manager, VMware Cloud Foundation Division, Broadcom.

Standard Chartered operates in 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets and is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.