Standard Chartered Lifts 2026 Income Outlook After Strong Third-Quarter Results

Standard Chartered raised its full-year income-growth outlook on Wednesday, October 28, after stronger third-quarter results from its wealth and global markets businesses. The bank now expects operating income to grow by more than 7% in 2026 at constant exchange rates and excluding notable items, compared with an earlier target range of 5% to 7%.

The London-based banking group reported approximately US$2.3 billion in third-quarter profit before tax, with its own summary describing a 29% increase on a constant-currency comparison. Reuters reported the less-rounded figure at US$2.25 billion, a 27% rise from US$1.77 billion a year earlier. The difference reflects reporting precision and comparison conventions; both accounts indicate a substantial year-on-year increase.

Standard Chartered said operating income reached US$5.8 billion, up 14% excluding notable items. Wealth Solutions income rose 26%, supported by investment products and bancassurance, while Global Markets income increased 21%. The group operates extensively across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, where cross-border banking and wealth-management activity are important sources of business.

Non-interest income rose 19% to US$2.8 billion, while net interest income increased 9% to US$3.0 billion, according to the bank's release. Operating expenses increased 9% to US$3.4 billion, partly reflecting investment in business growth and technology. Credit impairment charges fell to US$90 million from a higher level a year earlier, although the figure remains subject to changes in credit conditions.

The bank also updated its return-on-tangible-equity guidance to approximately 14% for 2026. That metric compares profit with shareholders' tangible equity and is used to assess bank profitability. Its third-quarter return on tangible equity was 15.7%, but a single quarter's result should not be confused with the full-year forecast.

The revised income target is a management expectation rather than a guarantee of future results. Changes in interest rates, market conditions, client activity and credit losses could affect the final outcome. The October 28 results nevertheless show that stronger wealth and trading revenues supported the bank's decision to raise its guidance.