According to the Zhitong Finance App, Standard Chartered Group (02888) announced results for the first half of the year ended June 30, 2026. Operating revenue reached a record high, rising 6% to US$11.6 billion. Excluding Solv India transactions, it rose 8%. Among them, net interest income rose 4% to US$5.7 billion; non-interest income rose 8% to US$5.9 billion; wealth solutions business rose 38%, driven by strong growth in investment products; and global banking increased 19%, driven by strong lending activity and active capital market activity. Profit before taxes was a record $4.8 billion, an increase of 9%. Earnings per share increased 17% to 151.6 cents.
The Group still maintains strong capital and high liquidity. The liquidity coverage ratio is 148%, reflecting strict balance sheet management. The primary capital ratio for common equity is 14.2%, with profit growth in the first half of the year being used to allocate capital to shareholders and increase risk-weighted assets. The board of directors used this to announce an interim common share dividend of 20.4 cents per share, an increase of 66%, and immediately commence a further $1 billion share repurchase program. Previously, a $1.5 billion share repurchase was executed in the first half of this year.
Group CEO Bill Winters said, “We set a record of performance in the first half of 2026. Our wealth solutions business and global banking business both recorded double-digit growth, highlighting our unique international network advantages and ability to execute our strict strategies. Our clients continue to trade, invest and move their wealth through many of the world's most dynamic markets. Our earnings per share increased 17%, raised revenue guidelines, and initiated a new round of $1 billion share repurchases, reflecting our full confidence in the business.”
Furthermore, the 2026 guidelines were revised as follows: Based on a fixed exchange rate basis and excluding major projects, the annual increase in operating income will be about the middle of the 5-7% range. Among them, net interest income is expected to achieve a low percentage of annual growth per unit based on a fixed exchange rate basis. On a fixed exchange rate basis, expenditure (excluding major projects) is expected to be approximately $13.3 billion. The return on tangible shareholders' equity will be greater than 12%.