Standard Chartered Plc has appointed Manus Costello as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately, following a thorough search to replace Diego De Giorgi. Costello, 50, joined Standard Chartered in 2024 as the global head of investor relations and previously co-founded and oversaw research at Autonomous, a financial research provider. De Giorgi's unexpected departure in February to join Apollo Global Management Inc raised concerns among investors and analysts, as he was seen as a pivotal figure in the bank's cost-cutting initiatives and a potential successor to CEO Bill Winters. In the interim, Deputy CFO Peter Burrill filled the role. The bank has also appointed Tanuj Kapilashrami as the Chief Operating Officer. This week, Standard Chartered plans to unveil a new set of financial targets during an investor event in Hong Kong, following the completion of its cost-cutting exercise, 'Fit for Growth.' These targets are designed to outline the bank's strategic direction for the coming years, focusing on growth in areas such as investment banking and wealth management. The bank reported record earnings in the first quarter, driven by significant wealth inflows, which helped mitigate credit charges related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.