Standard Chartered Group (02888) announced its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2026, reporting record operating income, which rose by 6% to USD 11.6 billion, or by 8% excluding the Solv India transaction. Net interest income increased by 4% to USD 5.7 billion, while non-interest income rose by 8% to USD 5.9 billion. Wealth Solutions revenue surged by 38%, driven by strong growth in investment products. Global Banking revenue climbed by 19%, supported by robust lending activity and active capital markets. Profit before tax reached a record high of USD 4.8 billion, up 9%. Earnings per share increased by 17% to 151.6 US cents.
At midday on July 29, $STANCHART (02888.HK)$ released its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2026, reporting record operating income, which rose 6% to USD 11.6 billion, or 8% excluding the Solv India transaction. Net interest income increased by 4% to USD 5.7 billion, while non-interest income rose 8% to USD 5.9 billion. Wealth Solutions revenue surged 38%, driven by strong growth in investment products, and Global Banking revenue climbed 19%, supported by robust lending activity and heightened capital markets activity. Profit before tax reached a record high of USD 4.8 billion, up 9%. Earnings per share increased by 17% to 151.6 US cents.
The Group continues to maintain strong capitalization and high liquidity. Its liquidity coverage ratio stood at 148%, reflecting disciplined balance sheet management. The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio was 14.2%, with first-half profits used to fund shareholder distributions and support an increase in risk-weighted assets. The Board has therefore declared an interim ordinary dividend of 20.4 US cents per share, a 66% increase, and immediately launched a further USD 1 billion share buyback program. This follows the execution of USD 1.5 billion in share repurchases during the first half of the year.
Buoyed by the results, Standard Chartered Group’s share price surged sharply in the afternoon session on Wednesday and is now up over 4%, trading at HKD 233.
Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, stated: “We delivered record results in the first half of 2026, with double-digit growth in both Wealth Solutions and Global Banking, underscoring the strength of our unique international network and disciplined execution of strategy. Clients continue to trade, invest, and move wealth through our presence in some of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our earnings per share rose by 17%, we have raised our revenue guidance, and we are initiating a new USD 1 billion share buyback—demonstrating our confidence in the business.”
Additionally, the 2026 guidance has been revised as follows: On a constant currency basis and excluding major one-off items, annual operating income growth is expected to be around the mid-point of the 5–7% range. Net interest income, on a constant currency basis, is anticipated to achieve low single-digit percentage annual growth. Operating expenses (excluding major one-off items), on a constant currency basis, are expected to be approximately USD 13.3 billion. Return on tangible equity will exceed 12%.