The partnership – set through a memorandum of understanding – has been launched in Hong Kong.

While Hong Kong is the starting point, the organisations plan to extend this model to other APAC markets soon, Standard Chartered said in a statement yesterday. 

The partnership also creates a connected network across APAC, giving clients direct access to Standard Chartered's referral network in Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. 

"This partnership reflects a shared mission to make expansion simpler, faster, and more human. By bringing together leaders in banking and corporate services, we've created a powerhouse that gives businesses clarity and confidence from day one. We're excited to embark on this journey with Standard Chartered, and to work together in delivering this model to more markets across Asia,” Wendy Wang, founding management and group president of Ascentium, said. 

Left to right: Tony So, head, SME Banking, Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, and Xie Wen, global head, SME Banking, both from Standard Chartered, Wendy Wang, founding management and group president, and Gary Tok, group chief commercial officer, both from Ascentium.