Standard Chartered Bank has undertaken a rigorous review of its global panel and is now turning its attention to the local UK firms.
The global review began this summer and was more extensive than those previously undertaken, with the bank employing an external consulting firm to help with the process.
The bank ultimately retained its existing panel, which includes Allen & Overy (A&O), Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Lovells and Slaughter and May, for its major international work.
Now the bank is proceeding with a more detailed country review, which will see UK firms tendering for a range of locally-based work.
The deadline for proposals is understood to be 22 August, with presentations in mid-September. The new panel is expected to be announced at the end of September.
“We do have a panel and we regard it as best practice to review it from time to time,” said the bank in a statement. “But the arrangement is between us and the law firms and is commercially sensitive and we don’t confirm who is or is not on the panel.”
A&O, Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Lovells and Slaughters declined to comment.