Standard Bank Group (SBK) CMD 2026 summary

Strategic direction and market positioning

• Focused on unlocking growth across Africa, leveraging demographic trends, infrastructure needs, and digital transformation.

• Four business units (CIB, BCB, PPB, IAM) each target distinct client segments and markets, driving diversification and resilience.

• Emphasis on collaboration, partnerships, and both organic and inorganic expansion, especially in high-growth African markets.

• Technology, AI, and payments modernization are central enablers for future competitiveness and efficiency.

• Strong brand, deep local expertise, and a robust leadership team underpin execution.

Financial targets and performance outlook

• Ambitious 2028 targets: headline EPS growth of 8%-12% and ROE of 18%-22%.

• Cost-to-income ratio to trend below 50%, with positive operating leverage and disciplined cost management.

• Non-interest revenue expected to outpace net interest income, driven by fees, trading, and bancassurance.

• Africa regions anticipated to deliver double-digit revenue growth, outpacing South Africa.

• Capital allocation prioritizes organic growth, selective M&A, and shareholder returns via dividends and buybacks.

Business unit strategies and growth drivers

• CIB aims for 8%-12% annual revenue growth, focusing on energy, infrastructure, trade corridors, and risk management.

• BCB targets strong deposit growth, digital transformation, and expansion in East and West Africa, with sustainable ROE above 35%.

• PPB leverages AI-driven personalization, digital channels, and cross-sell to grow fee income and maintain leadership in home loans and private banking.

• IAM focuses on bancassurance, open market distribution, and scaling asset management, targeting >10% annual earnings growth and ROE of 24%-27%.