Standard Chartered, one of the world´s biggest and oldest banks, is experiencing a growing interest among its customers to enter into shipping investments.  Within Standard Chartered, equity invesments are handled by Standard Chartered Private Equity (SCPE). SCPE invests in companies in need of expansion capital or acquisition finance, and in management buyouts. SCPE focuses on companies whose principal operations and management are located in Asia, Africa or the Middle East, and since inception, it has invested 6 billion USD invested in over 100 companies.