Standard Chartered & QNB Türkiye Pioneer New Frontier in Sustainable Finance

In a landmark transaction that redefines how capital markets can drive social impact, Standard Chartered and QNB Türkiye have finalized a USD 25 million gender equality-focused repurchase agreement (repo). This innovative facility represents Standard Chartered’s first repo financing explicitly linked to women’s economic empowerment—setting a precedent for scalable solutions in financial inclusion.

The transaction operates under QNB Türkiye’s Sustainable Finance Framework, channeling funds directly into lending programs that support eligible women-led SMEs across the country. To qualify, these businesses must demonstrate meaningful female leadership through:

• Majority ownership by women
• Significant female equity holdings with active management representation
• Executive leadership structures featuring female operational managers

By connecting international capital to this segment of underserved entrepreneurs, the facility aims to address structural financing gaps while simultaneously meeting clients’ funding needs. As Caroline Eber-Ittel, CEO France and head of coverage Europe at Standard Chartered, noted: “We’re proud to partner with QNB Türkiye on a transaction that not only breaks new ground for our bank but also expands opportunities for women-led businesses across Türkiye.”

Redefining Capital Instruments for Social Good

Repo agreements typically serve as short-term liquidity tools for institutional balance sheets. By linking access to this funding based on verifiable social metrics, Standard Chartered and QNB Türkiye are demonstrating how financial instruments can be designed with dual purposes—generating returns while advancing critical development goals.

Ömür Tan, CEO of QNB Türkiye, emphasized: “We believe that women’s participation in economic life is one of the key components of an inclusive and sustainable economy. This transaction reflects our commitment to directing international funding toward financing women-led SMEs.”

Expanding Sustainable Finance Across Dimensions

The milestone arrives amidst growing momentum for ESG financing mechanisms beyond traditional environmental themes. While green bonds have gained prominence, this transaction showcases how capital markets can be mobilized to address social imperatives—particularly in emerging market contexts where access to finance remains a significant barrier for women entrepreneurs.