Updated on 30th October, 2025
Standard Chartered earnings rose in the third quarter, driven by solid gains in wealth and global banking. The London-based lender reported stronger profits than expected during the period.
It now plans to achieve its key profitability target one year earlier than forecast. The results reflect the success of its strategy focused on fee-based income and the growth of emerging markets.
Profit Rises as Standard Chartered Earnings Beat Forecasts
The bank in its third-quarter report reported a 3% year-on-year increase of pretax profit, which hit $1.77 billion. A year ago, this indicator amounted to $1.72 billion, and the average forecast of 14 analysts was at $1.52 billion.
In the meantime, the results of the period indicate that income growth continues in the upper part of the so-called 5% to 7% range in annual guidance.
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The bank will now be able to achieve a 13% return on tangible equity in 2025. Earlier, the expectations were that this would happen one year later. After announcing the results, shares of Standard Chartered soared 3.6% in Hong Kong.
Strong Momentum in Wealth and Banking
Standard Chartered earnings were boosted by gains across several business segments. Wealth management income jumped 27% as more clients sought investment advice during market volatility.
The bank’s CEO, Bill Winters, said the results reflect a sharper focus on affluent and cross-border clients. He noted that double-digit growth in wealth and global banking demonstrates the strength of its strategy.
Wealth Management Leads Growth
Standard Chartered, the manager of assets, remains the powerhouse of income. The bank has an aim to develop $200 billion of fresh assets over the following five years. Besides, the bank has a goal of producing a double-digit increase in wealth from the business.
The bank was aggressive in the expansion of Hong Kong and mainland China’s wealth management. It opened new wealth management franchises to pull clients of higher value. Non-interest upsurge increased by 12% to $2.4 billion, beyond the $2.3 billion forecast.
Shift Toward Fee-Based Income
Standard Chartered earnings show a clear shift away from reliance on interest income. For the second straight quarter, fee-based revenue surpassed interest income. This move aligns with the bank’s plan to reduce exposure to interest rate fluctuations.
Lower U.S. interest rates weighed on net interest income, which fell 5% to $1.4 billion. However, rising fee income from wealth, markets, and advisory services helped offset this decline.
Credit Costs and Real Estate Risks
Higher credit provisions slightly offset the strong Standard Chartered earnings. The bank booked $195 million in impairments for the quarter, up 10% from a year ago. About $25 million of this was set aside for Hong Kong’s commercial real estate sector amid weaker liquidity.
In mainland China, provisions dropped by $9 million due to repayments from clients. The bank now holds $49 million in reserves for Chinese commercial properties.
While the real estate slump remains a risk, Standard Chartered has maintained balanced exposure compared with rivals such as HSBC.
Long-Term Profit Outlook
On a nine-month basis, Standard Chartered earnings totaled $6.15 billion, up 20% from a year earlier. Analysts said the strong performance may lead the bank to raise its medium-term targets when it releases full-year results in February.
Jefferies analyst Joe Dickerson said the results confirm solid execution and growing confidence. “The performance across all major business lines suggests continued momentum into 2025,” he noted.
CEO Bill Winters added that the bank’s focus on global clients and wealth solutions is driving sustainable growth. “Our strategy is working. We are meeting client needs while delivering stronger returns,” he said.
Market Response and Future Focus
Following the announcement, investors reacted positively to the Standard Chartered earnings update. The bank’s shares extended gains in both London and Hong Kong trading sessions.
Standard Chartered’s progress in digital transformation and risk management also supports its stronger earnings outlook. The bank remains confident about sustaining growth despite global economic uncertainty.
Conclusion
The latest earnings report from Standard Chartered thus not only shows a consistent recovery but also a quicker path to being profitable. Profit was bolstered by the bank’s efforts in wealth management, as well as global banking and fee income.
However, potential difficulties within the property markets and enormous credit costs imply that its accomplished return-on-equity goal at this time only furthers investor confidence and accessibility through 2025.
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Appendix: Glossary of Key Terms
Standard Chartered – A London-based international bank focused on emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Earnings Report – A quarterly financial statement showing the bank’s revenue, expenses, and profit performance.
Pretax Profit – The amount earned before tax deductions, indicating core financial strength.
Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) – A profitability measure showing how efficiently a bank uses its equity.
Wealth Management – A banking service providing financial advice and investment solutions to affluent clients.
Non-Interest Income – Revenue earned from fees and services instead of lending activities.
Frequently Asked Questions Standard Chartered Earnings
1- Why did Standard Chartered earnings rise this quarter?
Earnings rose due to stronger performance in wealth management and global banking, along with higher fee income.
2- What is the bank’s new profitability target?
Standard Chartered now expects a 13% return on tangible equity in 2025, one year earlier than planned.
3- How did wealth management support Standard Chartered earnings?
Wealth income jumped 27%, driven by higher demand for investment services in Asia.
4- What risks remain for the bank?
Rising credit costs and weak real estate markets in Hong Kong and China remain key challenges.
