By Alex V 
London-headquartered Standard Chartered Plc (StanChart), which is focused heavily on emerging markets, reported an improved 26% increase in its first-half pretax profit, well ahead of analysts’ forecasts. The strong performance came mainly from robust revenue expansion in its wealth management, markets, and global banking businesses, reflecting the bank’s increasing strength in Asia and Africa.
Robust Profit Growth Amid Challenging Market Conditions
The bank reported a pretax profit of $4.38 billion for the first six months of 2025, up from $3.49 billion during the same period in 2024. This increase of nearly $900 million represents a solid 26% year-on-year growth, marking a strong start to the year for Standard Chartered. Notably, this result surpassed the consensus estimate of $3.83 billion, which was based on a compilation of 15 analyst forecasts.
Standard Chartered’s emphasis on growth markets has continued to pay off, as it rides its established franchises in markets like Asia and Africa. The diversified revenue streams of the bank from wealth management and global banking cushioned the impact of continued uncertainties in the economy. Its markets business also generated strong revenues, backed by rising client activity and favourable trading environments.
Wealth and Global Banking Businesses Fuel Revenue
One of the major drivers of the strong performance was the bank’s wealth management franchise, which has recorded high growth fuelled by increasing demand for wealth advisory services and financial products in emerging markets. With the growth of middle-class segments in these economies, individuals and businesses increasingly seek out advanced banking and investment solutions.
Likewise, Standard Chartered’s international banking division posted robust performances by offering financing, advisory, and transaction services to corporate customers, a majority of whom are growing their businesses in fast-paced emerging markets. The bank’s knowledge about these markets, coupled with its strategic alliances, has allowed it to capitalise on fresh business opportunities.
Capital Return to Shareholders
In addition to the financial figures, Standard Chartered additionally announced a $1.3 billion share buyback program that will start soon. The buyback indicates the confidence of management in the future prospects of the bank and a dedication to returning shareholder value. By lowering the number of shares outstanding, the bank seeks to improve earnings per share (EPS) and return surplus capital to shareholders, reiterating a shareholder-friendly stance.
Outlook and Market Position
Having a solid first half under its belt, Standard Chartered is well placed to ride the second half of 2025 under changing global economic circumstances. The bank’s concentration on high-growth emerging markets, combined with its diversified business model, is a source of strength and future growth prospects.
FAQs
What were the reasons behind Standard Chartered’s increase in profit in the first half of 2025?
The 26% increase in pretax profit was mainly fuelled by robust revenue growth in markets, wealth management, and global banking businesses. The bank was boosted by heightened client activity in emerging markets, favourable markets, and improving demand for financial services in Asia and Africa.
Standard Chartered reported how much profit in the first half of 2025?
Standard Chartered announced a first-half pretax profit of $4.38 billion in 2025, higher than $3.49 billion in the prior-year period, while exceeding the analysts’ consensus forecast of $3.83 billion.
In which regions does Standard Chartered primarily operate?
The bank mainly deals in emerging markets, where major revenues come from Asia and Africa. This enables the bank to take advantage of opportunities for growth in fast-developing economies.
Why is the announcement of Standard Chartered’s $1.3 billion share buyback important?
The share buyback scheme shows the bank’s faith in its financial robustness and future. Standard Chartered, through share repurchases, is seeking to return capital to investors as well as increase earnings per share by lowering the number of shares outstanding.
What is Standard Chartered’s prognosis after this robust first-half performance?
With strong performance in wealth management, markets, and global banking and a good presence in emerging markets, Standard Chartered is poised for sustained growth. The bank aims to sustainably expand and create long-term value in the process, irrespective of likely economic downturns across the world.
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