Standard Chartered reported a record first-half 2026 profit before tax of $4.8 billion, up 9% year on year, with return on tangible equity of 17.6% and a fresh $1.0 billion share buyback. The results were published on 29 July.
Earnings per share climbed 17% year on year to 151.6 cents, and the bank raised its interim dividend by 66% to 20.4 cents per share alongside the results, according to the disclosure published through its investor pages. Record operating income rose 6% to $11.6 billion, with Wealth Solutions income up 38% and Global Banking up 19%.
RETURNS AND BUYBACK
RoTE rose 120 basis points year on year to 17.6%, and the cost-to-income ratio improved to 54.6% from 57.3%.
The $1.0 billion buyback, starting imminently, is expected to reduce the CET1 ratio by 38 basis points; the CET1 ratio was 14.2% at the end of June. The interim ordinary dividend of 20.4 cents per share totals $448 million.
EPS GROWTH
The 17% rise in EPS to 151.6 cents outpaced the 10% rise in profit attributable to ordinary shareholders, as the weighted average number of shares fell to 2,222 million from 2,375 million.
Group Chief Executive Bill Winters said the performance demonstrated "the strength of our differentiated international network and the disciplined execution of our strategy".
The bank upgraded its 2026 guidance and now expects operating income growth around the middle of its 5-7% range at constant currency and excluding material notable items, with expenses excluding notable items of around $13.3 billion.
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