Standard Chartered Raises 2026 Guidance as Q3 Profit Before Tax Jumps 29% to $2.3bn

….Wealth Solutions records third consecutive record quarter as operating income rises 14%

Standard Chartered Group has reported a strong financial performance for the third quarter of 2026, with profit before tax rising 29 per cent at constant currency to $2.3 billion, while operating income increased 14 per cent to $5.8 billion.

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The international banking group also raised its full-year income growth and returns guidance, reflecting improved performance across key businesses, particularly Wealth Solutions and Global Markets.

According to the bank’s third-quarter results, return on tangible equity (RoTE) rose to 15.7 per cent, compared with 10.5 per cent in the corresponding period a year earlier, highlighting an improvement in the Group’s profitability.

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Wealth Solutions delivered its third consecutive record quarter, with income increasing 26 per cent and affluent net new money reaching a record $20 billion. The performance underscores the growing contribution of wealth management and investment-related services to the Group’s earnings.

Global Markets also recorded strong growth, with income rising 21 per cent during the quarter, reflecting the continued contribution of its markets business to overall operating performance.

Following the strong results, Standard Chartered said it now expects full-year 2026 income growth to exceed its previous guidance range of five to seven per cent. The Group also maintained an outlook for return on tangible equity of around 14 per cent.

The upward revision marks the bank’s second guidance upgrade, signalling increased confidence in its earnings trajectory and financial performance for the year.

The results come amid continued focus on revenue diversification, wealth management and improved returns across the international banking industry. Standard Chartered’s performance also highlights the role of investment products and affluent banking services in supporting income growth as financial institutions seek to expand beyond traditional lending activities.

For markets across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, where Standard Chartered maintains an international presence, the results provide an indication of broader trends in cross-border banking, investment services and wealth management.

The record inflows into Wealth Solutions may also offer useful context for Nigeria’s financial services industry, particularly as banks and other financial institutions explore opportunities in investment products, private banking and services targeting affluent customers.

However, the Group’s international results do not, on their own, establish the extent to which these trends have translated into performance or customer demand in Nigeria.

Standard Chartered’s third-quarter performance positions the Group for a stronger full-year outcome, with management’s revised income outlook reflecting the momentum recorded across its major businesses.

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