Standard Chartered Foundation names new global head

Standard Chartered Foundation has appointed Nalini Tarakeshwar as Global Head of the Foundation and Corporate Philanthropy.

The move comes as the Foundation intensifies efforts to address the widening youth employability gap, which rose to 12.4 per cent in 2025, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged young people.

Tarakeshwar will oversee Standard Chartered's corporate philanthropy strategy and the Foundation's global agenda, which targets barriers to employability and entrepreneurship by developing programmes, partnerships and financing solutions to unlock opportunities for young people.

With over two decades of experience—including most recently as Deputy CEO of UBS Optimus Foundation—Tarakeshwar is expected to expand the Foundation's global impact.

Tanuj Kapilashrami, Chief Strategy and Talent Officer at Standard Chartered and trustee of the Foundation, said: "We face the largest generation of young people in history—key drivers of future growth and stability. Yet, globally, one in five young people are not in employment, education or training. Corporate philanthropy must address this challenge. Through the Foundation, we have enabled over 100,000 jobs, impacting more than 700,000 lives. As we scale our role as a global 'super-connector' to deliver transformational outcomes, Nalini's experience will be a catalyst for further impact."

Tarakeshwar said: "Standard Chartered is a powerful global bank and a purpose-led brand. The Foundation has already had a significant impact, enabling jobs for underserved youth, especially young women. We now have the opportunity to scale this success, working with our networks and partners committed to this goal. I am proud to join at this pivotal moment to help young people shape their futures and generate outsized impact in communities and markets worldwide."

Global youth unemployment increased to 12.4 per cent in 2025 from 12.3 per cent in 2024, with approximately 260 million young people neither in education, employment nor training. Women continue to face systemic barriers, driven by social norms and stereotypes, and are 24 per cent less likely than men to participate in the labour force.

The Foundation seeks to address these challenges by supporting young people in acquiring skills and sustainable employment, while helping entrepreneurs build thriving microbusinesses.