Standard Chartered has posted a record first-half operating income of Ksh 1.5 trillion and a profit before tax of Ksh 620 billion, prompting the lender to upgrade its income guidance and announce a Ksh 129 billion share buyback programme.
The bank said operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2026, increased by 6 per cent from the same period last year, while profit before tax rose 9 per cent to a record Ksh 620 billion. Earnings per share increased 17 per cent to 151.6 cents, with Return on Tangible Equity improving to 17.6 per cent.
The strong performance also saw Standard Chartered increase its interim ordinary dividend by 66 per cent to 20.4 US cents per share.
Group Chief Executive Bill Winters said the results were driven by strong growth in the bank’s Wealth Solutions and Global Banking businesses.
“We delivered a record first half performance in 2026, with double digit growth in Wealth Solutions and Global Banking. Our performance demonstrates the strength of our differentiated international network and the disciplined execution of our strategy. Clients continue to turn to us to facilitate trade, investment and wealth flows across the world’s most dynamic markets. We delivered a 17 per cent increase in our earnings per share, and our upgraded income guidance and new share buyback of USD1 billion reflect our confidence in the business.”
Wealth Solutions grew by 38 per cent during the first half, supported by strong demand for investment products, while Global Banking increased by 19 per cent on the back of strong origination and capital markets activity.
Net interest income rose to about Ksh 736 billion, while non-interest income increased to approximately Sh762 billion. Operating expenses rose by 1 per cent to around Ksh 814 billion.
During the second quarter, operating income reached approximately Ksh 736 billion, up 3 per cent from the same period last year. Net interest income increased to about Ksh 375Â billion, while Wealth Solutions and Global Banking grew by 43 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.
The bank’s balance sheet remained strong, with customer loans and advances increasing by 2.2 per cent quarter on quarter and customer deposits rising by 2 per cent. Its Common Equity Tier 1 ratio strengthened to 14.2 per cent.
Group Chief Financial Officer Manus Costello said the bank would continue investing in its business while maintaining tight control over costs and capital.
“We are now compounding the growth of our powerful franchise while investing to build a simpler, faster and more connected bank that meets the evolving needs of our clients. At the same time, we remain disciplined on expenses and focused on managing capital tightly. Together, these strengths give us confidence in our ability to deliver exceptional growth and sustainably higher returns.”
The bank recorded a credit impairment charge of about Ksh 58 billion during the first half, including roughly Ksh 38 billion from Wealth and Retail Banking and Ksh 19 billion from Corporate and Investment Banking, mainly due to management overlays related to the conflict in the Middle East.
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