Standard Chartered Announces USD1 billion Share Buyback

Standard Chartered today announced its financial results for the first half and second quarter ended 30 June 2026, delivering a record first half performance driven by strong growth in Wealth Solutions and Global Banking.

The Group reported record operating income of USD11.6 billion, up 6 per cent, and record profit before tax of USD4.8 billion, up 9 per cent compared to the first half of 2025. Earnings per share increased 17 per cent to 151.6 cents, while Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) improved to 17.6 per cent.

The Group also upgraded its income guidance and announced a USD1 billion share buyback, alongside a 66 per cent increase in its interim ordinary dividend to 20.4 cents per share.

Commenting on the results, Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, said: "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."

Growth during the first half was driven by continued momentum across the Group's core businesses. Wealth Solutions grew 38 per cent, driven by strong growth in investment products, while Global Banking increased 19 per cent, supported by strong origination activity and strong

capital markets activity.

Net interest income increased 4 per cent to USD5.7 billion, while non interest income rose 8 per cent to USD5.9 billion. Operating expenses increased by 1 per cent to USD6.3 billion.

During the second quarter, Standard Chartered reported operating income of USD5.7 billion, up 3 per cent compared to the same period last year. Net interest income increased 7 per cent to USD2.9 billion, while Wealth Solutions grew 43 per cent and Global Banking increased 18 per cent.

The Group's balance sheet remained strong, with underlying loans and advances to customers increasing 2.2 per cent quarter on quarter and underlying customer deposits increasing 2 per cent. The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio strengthened to 14.2 per cent.

Commenting on the results, Manus Costello, Group Chief Financial Officer, said: "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 Group recorded a credit impairment charge of USD446 million, comprising USD296 million from Wealth & Retail Banking and USD150 million from Corporate & Investment Banking, mostly driven by management overlays relating to the Middle East conflict.

Key First Half 2026 Highlights

· Record operating income of USD11.6 billion, up 6 per cent

· Record profit before tax of USD4.8 billion, up 9 per cent

· Net interest income up 4 per cent to USD5.7 billion

· Non interest income up 8 per cent to USD5.9 billion

· Wealth Solutions up 38 per cent

· Global Banking up 19 per cent

· Return on Tangible Equity of 17.6 per cent

· Earnings per share up 17 per cent to 151.6 cents

· CET1 ratio of 14.2 per cent

· Interim ordinary dividend increased 66 per cent to 20.4 cents per share

· USD1 billion share buyback to commence shortly.