Standard Chartered (STAN) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Record Q1 2026 performance with income up 9% year-over-year at constant currency, driven by double-digit growth in Wealth Solutions (+32%) and Global Banking (+19%), and EPS up 31% to 74.2 cents.

• Profit before tax rose 17% to $2.5bn, with return on tangible equity at 17.4%.

• Strong capital and liquidity positions maintained, with CET1 ratio at 13.4% and liquidity coverage at 151%.

• No material impact from the Middle East conflict in Q1 2026, but overlays and vigilant risk management remain in place.

• Maintained 2026 guidance, expecting return on tangible equity above 12%.

Financial highlights

• Operating income rose to $5.9bn, up 9% year-over-year; non-interest income surged 16% to $3.0bn, now 51% of group income.

• Net interest income declined 3% quarter-on-quarter due to lower rates, especially HIBOR, but increased 1% year-over-year to $2.9bn.

• Operating expenses increased 1% year-over-year, offset by Fit for Growth savings and efficiency gains.

• Credit impairment charge was $296m, including $190m in overlays related to Middle East conflict.

• Customer loans and deposits both grew 3% sequentially; total assets up 11% year-over-year to $973bn.

Outlook and guidance

• 2026 guidance unchanged: operating income growth expected at the lower end of 5–7% range at constant currency; NII and costs to be broadly flat year-over-year.

• Statutory RoTE target for 2026 remains above 12%.

• Expenses expected to remain broadly flat in 2026 at constant currency, excluding notable items.

• Medium-term financial framework to be provided at investor event in May.