Standard Chartered (LSE:STAN) reported record first-half operating income of $11.6bn, up 6% year-on-year, with profit before tax rising 9% to a record $4.8bn.
The London-headquartered international bank, said earnings per share climbed 17% to 151.6 cents, with return on tangible equity up 120 basis points to 17.6%.
Wealth Solutions income jumped 38% in the half, driven by strong growth in investment products, while Global Banking rose 19% on strong origination and capital markets activity.
Net interest income rose 4% to $5.7bn and non-interest income increased 8% to $5.9bn, while operating expenses rose 1% to $6.3bn.
The credit impairment charge reached $446m, with $296m from Wealth & Retail Banking and $150m from Corporate & Investment Banking, largely reflecting management overlays tied to the Middle East conflict.
The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio stood at 14.2%, up 77 basis points quarter-on-quarter, and the interim dividend was raised 66% to 20.4 cents per share, worth $448m.
"We delivered a record first half performance in 2026, with double-digit growth in Wealth Solutions and Global Banking," said Bill Winters, group chief executive, adding that the upgraded income guidance and new $1bn buyback "reflect our confidence in the business."
Standard Chartered raised its 2026 guidance, now expecting operating income growth around the middle of its 5-7% range at constant currency, with expenses excluding notable items of around $13.3bn and return on tangible equity above 12%.
News Intelligence what this means for the company
Standard Chartered delivered record first-half profit of $4.8bn (up 9% year-on-year) on operating income of $11.6bn, with earnings per share climbing 17% and return on tangible equity reaching 17.6%—120 basis points above the prior-year half. The bank raised its 2026 operating income guidance to the middle of its 5–7% range and announced a $1bn buyback, signalling confidence despite a $446m credit impairment charge tied largely to Middle East conflict overlays.
Record profitability and upgraded guidance reinforce Standard Chartered's earnings momentum in emerging markets, though the 17.6% return on tangible equity already exceeds the bank's own 12%+ target, leaving limited room for further upside from operational leverage alone. Capital strength (14.2% CET1 ratio) and the buyback support shareholder returns, but geopolitical credit risks remain a material headwind.
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