Standard Chartered was formed in 1869 through a merger of two banks, the Standard Bank of British South Africa and the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China. Both banks were interested in capitalizing on expanding trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Standard Chartered has since grown to operate in over 70 countries and territories worldwide, focusing on developing strong franchises in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East through organic growth and strategic acquisitions and alliances. Today, Standard Chartered provides consumer, corporate, and institutional banking services to both individual and business customers.