Stake in Bohai Bank

Standard Chartered PLC
19 November 2004

Standard Chartered Bank (HK) Limited announced today that it has signed a
framework agreement to take a 19.99% interest in the share capital of Bohai
Bank, subject to the review and approval by the China Banking Regulatory
Commission.  The preparatory plan for the establishment of Bohai Bank is also
pending the approval by the State Council and the China Banking Regulatory
Commission.


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