Standard Chartered Reports Record $3.37 Billion First-Half Profit

Standard Chartered PLC reported a record net profit of US$3.37 billion for the first half of 2026, exceeding analyst expectations of US$3.01 billion. This 10% increase in profit was driven by a 38% rise in wealth-management revenue and higher net interest income, though bad debt and impairment charges related to the Middle East conflict tempered overall gains.

Following the results, the bank launched a US$1 billion share buy-back program and increased its interim dividend to 20.4 US cents per share, representing a 66% year-over-year increase. The bank also upgraded its fiscal 2026 operating income growth guidance to the middle of the 5-7% range.

Shares of the company rose between 3.9% and 5.7% in Hong Kong following the announcement. CEO Bill Winters attributed the results to the bank's international network and the execution of its strategy.