OUTSIDERS AIM TO GET THEIR TEETH INTO AFGHAN BANKING - 2003-08-15

Standard Chartered, the UK-based bank, hopes to open the country's first ATM machine by late September, pending approval of its application to set up shop there. In an effort to help kick-start the small-business sector, Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) has applied for a licence to open First MicroFinance Bank of Afghanistan, which will make loans of up to about $5,000 to small enterprises.