WS Investor
24 Feb 2026, 20:44
Standard Chartered beats targets early, launches $1.5bn buyback after strong 2025
Feb. 2026 — Standard Chartered PLC reported full-year 2025 underlying profit before tax of $7.9 billion, up 18%, with return on tangible equity (RoTE) reaching 14.7%, exceeding its three-year target a year ahead of schedule.
Operating income rose 6% to $20.9 billion, driven by 13% growth in non-net interest income, particularly from Wealth Solutions (+24%), Global Banking (+15%) and Global Markets (+12%). Net interest income increased 1% to $11.2 billion. Operating expenses rose 4% to $12.3 billion, while credit impairment charges totaled $676 million.
The bank announced a $1.5 billion share buyback and proposed a final dividend of 49 cents per share, bringing the full-year dividend to 61 cents, up 65%. The CET1 ratio stood at 14.1% at year-end.
In the fourth quarter, underlying profit before tax rose 19% to $1.2 billion, with income broadly stable at $4.8 billion.
For 2026, the bank expects operating income growth at the lower end of its 5–7% range at constant currency, broadly flat net interest income, broadly flat costs, and a statutory RoTE above 12%.
Feb. 2026 — Standard Chartered PLC reported full-year 2025 underlying profit before tax of $7.9 billion, up 18%, with return on tangible equity (RoTE) reaching 14.7%, exceeding its three-year target a year ahead of schedule.
Operating income rose 6% to $20.9 billion, driven by 13% growth in non-net interest income, particularly from Wealth Solutions (+24%), Global Banking (+15%) and Global Markets (+12%). Net interest income increased 1% to $11.2 billion. Operating expenses rose 4% to $12.3 billion, while credit impairment charges totaled $676 million.
The bank announced a $1.5 billion share buyback and proposed a final dividend of 49 cents per share, bringing the full-year dividend to 61 cents, up 65%. The CET1 ratio stood at 14.1% at year-end.
In the fourth quarter, underlying profit before tax rose 19% to $1.2 billion, with income broadly stable at $4.8 billion.
For 2026, the bank expects operating income growth at the lower end of its 5–7% range at constant currency, broadly flat net interest income, broadly flat costs, and a statutory RoTE above 12%.