Standard Chartered profit rises in "record first quarter"

(Alliance News) - Standard Chartered PLC on Thursday reported increased earnings for the first ...

Alliance News 30 April, 2026 | 9:48AM
Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

(Alliance News) - Standard Chartered PLC on Thursday reported increased earnings for the first quarter, although it still expects full-year income at the lower end of its forecast range.

Nonetheless, shares in Standard Chartered were 2.8% higher at 1,839.40 pence in London on Thursday.

The London-headquartered lender's pretax profit was USD2.45 billion for the first quarter of 2026, up 17% from USD2.10 billion the year before.

Operating income increased 10% on-year, or 9% at constant currency, to a "record" USD5.90 billion from USD5.38 billion. Earnings per share rose 31% to 74.2 cents from 56.6 cents.

Standard Chartered's common equity tier 1 ratio narrowed to 13.4% from 13.8%. The return on tangible equity rose to 17.4% from 14.8%.

Net interest income decreased 3.2% to USD1.53 billion from USD1.58 billion, while adjusted net interest income rose 2.6%, or 1% at constant exchange rates, to USD2.87 billion from USD2.80 billion.

Adjusted non-interest income increased 16% at constant currency, or 17% reported, to USD3.03 billion from USD2.58 billion. Standard Chartered said this was largely driven by Wealth Solutions, which had a "record quarter" with income rising 32%, and Global Banking, where income increased 19%.

"We delivered a record first quarter performance in 2026, with double-digit growth in Wealth Solutions and Global Banking," commented Chief Executive Bill Winters. "Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, our advantaged market presence and disciplined risk management give us confidence in our ability to perform."

Standard Chartered reiterated the full-year guidance provided in its 2025 results, forecasting that on-year CER growth in reported operating income will be "around the bottom end" of 5% to 7%.

It also expects net interest income at constant currency "to be broadly flat", and statutory RoTE to exceed 12%.

By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Standard Chartered PLC 1,857.20 GBX 3.75

About Author

Alliance News

Alliance News provides Morningstar with continuously updating coverage of news affecting listed companies.

© Copyright 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures