Standard Chartered PLC · London United Kingdom ·(Pink Sheets: SCBFF)(London: STAN)

Although the British Empire isn't as far-flung as it used to be, that hasn't stopped Standard Chartered. The UK-based banking group, familiarly known as Stanchart, operates primarily in Asia -- where it has been active for more than 150 years -- and has made forays into the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America as well. In all, it has more than 1,700 offices in more than 70 countries. Stanchart offers deposit accounts, loans and mortgages, investments, and insurance for consumers, and cash management, international trade, credit, custody, clearing, and capital markets services for corporate clients. To read the full description, subscribe now.