Standard Chartered Plc has raised its full-year 2026 earnings outlook after reporting a 27% increase in third-quarter pretax profit to $2.25 billion, supported by stronger wealth management income and increased activity across its global markets business.
The London-headquartered banking group disclosed the results on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with quarterly earnings exceeding analysts’ expectations of approximately $2 billion.
Operating income increased by 14% to $5.8 billion on a constant-currency basis, excluding exceptional items, indicating improved performance across the bank’s major business divisions.
Following the stronger results, Standard Chartered revised its 2026 operating income growth forecast to above the previous range of 5% to 7%.
The bank also expects its return on tangible equity to reach approximately 14% for the full year.
Wealth management remained a major contributor to earnings growth with income from Wealth Solutions increasing 26% during the quarter.
The performance was supported by demand for investment products and bancassurance services as affluent customers continued to expand their investment portfolios.
Income from the bank’s Global Markets division rose 21%, benefiting from increased client transactions and trading activities across international financial markets.
Net interest income also advanced 9% to approximately $3 billion, supported by higher business volumes and improvements in the composition of the bank’s balance sheet.
Meanwhile, non-interest income increased 19% to $2.8 billion, demonstrating the growing contribution of fee-based financial services to the group’s earnings.
Despite increased investment in business expansion, Standard Chartered maintained a relatively strong financial position, with its Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio standing at 13.8% at the end of September.
The bank’s credit impairment charge declined to $90 million, reflecting lower provisions for potential loan losses during the period.
Group Chief Executive Bill Winters attributed the performance to sustained growth across the bank’s businesses and the increasing opportunities arising from international trade, investment and wealth creation.
The results come as Standard Chartered continues expanding its wealth management and corporate banking operations across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
For African markets, including Nigeria, the bank’s stronger global performance could support its capacity to facilitate international trade, investment flows and corporate financing.
However, the extent of any benefits to individual markets will depend on local economic conditions, regulatory developments and the bank’s investment priorities.
Standard Chartered’s improved outlook highlights the growing importance of wealth management and international financial services in driving profitability among major global banking institutions.
