HSBC Holdings reported a stronger-than-expected 23% rise in first-half pretax profit, driven by higher net interest income and robust growth in wealth management. The banking giant also announced a $1 billion share buyback and declared a second interim dividend of $0.10 per share, underscoring its focus on rewarding shareholders.

The buy-back was announced after HSBC’s second-quarter pre-tax profit rose 60 per cent to US$10.15 billion, beating analysts’ estimate of US$9.5 billion.

The buy-back was announced after HSBC’s second-quarter pre-tax profit rose 60 per cent to US$10.15 billion, beating analysts’ estimate of US$9.5 billion.

Net new inflows reached $64bn with most assets sourced from the region