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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 $2.45 billion for the first quarter of 2026, up 17% from $2.10 billion the year before. Operating income increased 10% on-year, or 9% at constant currency, to a ‘record’ $5.90 billion from $5.38 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 $1.53 billion from $1.58 billion, while adjusted net interest income rose 2.6%, or 1% at constant exchange rates, to $2.87 billion from $2.80 billion. Adjusted non-interest income increased 16% at constant currency, or 17% reported, to $3.03 billion from $2.58 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%. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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