Standard Chartered reported a 10 per cent rise in its first-half profit as strong wealth management gains were offset by an impairment charge tied to the Middle East conflict.The London-headquartered lender also announced a new US$1 billion share buy-back starting immediately, according to a stock exchange filing on Wednesday.Net profit climbed 10 per cent in the first six months of 2026 to a record US$3.37 billion, or 151.6 US cents per share, from US$3.07 billion a year earlier. The result was better than analysts’ estimate of US$3.01 billion.Pre-tax profit increased to 9 per cent to US$4.78 billion in the first half, compared with US$4.38 billion a year earlier.“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,” said CEO Bill Winters in an earnings statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange.“We delivered a 17 per cent increase in our earnings per share, and our upgraded income guidance and new share buy-back of $1 billion reflected our confidence in the business.”
Standard Chartered posts 10% rise in first-half profit, launches US$1b buy-back
Bank’s profit affected by Middle East tensions and bad debt, despite wealth management growth.
TL;DRAI
Standard Chartered reported record first-half profit of $3.37B (+10% YoY) with 17% EPS growth and announced a $1B share buyback. Banking sector recovery signals upcoming enterprise IT budget cycles; buyback indicates capital available for wealth tech and digital infrastructure investments.
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