Standard Chartered Reports $4.8bn Half-Year Profit

Standard Chartered announced a record financial performance for the first half of 2026, achieving a profit before tax of $4.8 billion, a 9% increase from the previous year. The bank's operating income reached $11.6 billion, the highest for any first half.

Group Chief Executive Bill Winters attributed this success to the bank's diversified international network and effective strategy execution, noting double-digit growth in Wealth Solutions and Global Banking. The bank's improved earnings outlook includes a new $1 billion share buyback program.

Group Chief Financial Officer Manus Costello emphasized the bank's commitment to sustainable long-term growth through ongoing investments. Standard Chartered maintained a strong capital position with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 14.2% and approved an interim dividend of 20.4 cents per share, a 66% increase from the previous year.

The bank upgraded its guidance for 2026, expecting operating income growth to be around the middle of its 5–7% target range at constant currency.