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🔥 #hottopicsofsibos Sofia Hammoucha, Global Head of Trade and Working Capital at Standard Chartered
Sophia Hammoucha, Global Head of Trade and Working Capital at Standard Chartered, discussed the challenges banks and corporates face amid growing uncertainty in global trade and finance at Sibos 2025 in conversation with Trade Treasury Payments (TTP)’s Joy Macknight. She mentioned that, according to Standard Chartered’s recent Future of Trade report, 57% of surveyed corporates identified multiple sources of uncertainty, including tariffs, technological evolution, and the increasing need for digitisation.
Hammoucha stressed the fact that managing this uncertainty requires a dual focus on diversification and digital transformation. Over 40% of corporates are investing heavily in supply chain finance platforms to digitise their ecosystems and operational setups. This trend extends to banks as well, which are adapting their management approaches to support these evolving needs.
Under the theme “The Next Frontier of Global Finance,” Standard Chartered aims to boost trade and financial cooperation. Hammoucha emphasised the bank’s dedication to enhancing support and connections in the global trade and finance sector.
TTP spoke to her about how banks and corporates cope with the uncertainty in global trade relations and the meaning of this year’s Sibos theme “The next frontiers in global finance”.
Key Topics
- Corporates are facing heightened uncertainty driven by tariffs, technology shifts and operational pressures
- More than 40 percent of corporates surveyed by Standard Chartered are investing in supply chain finance platforms and broader digitisation.
- Standard Chartered sees its role as a catalyst, bringing the trade ecosystem together to strengthen global finance
Key Insights
Expert Analysis
Sofia Hammoucha’s perspective captures a moment where global trade is being reshaped by uncertainty and technological acceleration. Her emphasis on diversification and digitisation reflects what many in the market are experiencing: traditional models are under pressure, and resilience now depends on the ability to adapt quickly. The fact that more than 40 percent of corporates are investing in supply chain finance platforms signals a decisive move towards digital ecosystems that can withstand disruption. For Standard Chartered, the theme of the next frontier in global finance is not abstract. It is about convening the trade community, supporting operational transformation and ensuring that banks and corporates alike are equipped for a future where agility and collaboration define success— Sofia Hammoucha
Key Findings
- Tariffs remain a major concern, but the rapid evolution of technologies such as AI is equally significant for corporates.
- Digitisation is no longer limited to large institutions. It is becoming a shared priority across the entire trade ecosystem.
- The push towards digital supply chain finance reflects a broader shift towards integrated, data driven trade flows
Implications
- Corporates will need to diversify suppliers, markets and operational models to withstand ongoing volatility.
- Banks must continue modernising their operational frameworks to support clients through digital channels.
- Technology adoption will increasingly shape competitiveness across global trade and working capital.
Key Takeaways
- Uncertainty is reshaping how corporates and banks approach global trade.
- Digitisation and diversification are emerging as the primary strategies for resilience.
- Investment in supply chain finance platforms is accelerating across markets.
- Standard Chartered aims to strengthen the global trade ecosystem by acting as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation.
