Standard Chartered unveils $1.3 billion buyback as profit jumps 54%

Standard Chartered Plc announced a $1.3 billion share buyback program on July 29, 2025, following first-half earnings that surpassed market expectations. The move is part of the bank’s broader strategy to return at least $8 billion to shareholders by 2026 and builds on previous capital return initiatives, including a $1.5 billion buyback earlier in the year [1]. The bank’s second-quarter profit surged by 54% year-on-year, driven by improved performance across multiple business lines and a strong focus on cross-border and affluent banking [2].

The announcement was attributed to CEO Bill Winters, who has led the bank since 2015 with a strategic emphasis on emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He highlighted that the bank’s strong first-half performance was driven by a cross-sell and digital transformation focus, with record net new money in the second quarter and double-digit income growth in wealth solutions, global markets, and global banking [3]. Winters emphasized that the bank’s unique regional network provides clients with tools to navigate global volatility, reinforcing confidence in its operational resilience [3].

The buyback is expected to reduce the number of outstanding shares by 9%, enhancing shareholder value. This aligns with past trends where consistent buybacks have boosted earnings per share and stock performance [4]. Standard Chartered has returned $6.5 billion to shareholders since 2023, with the latest buyback reinforcing its commitment to optimizing capital returns [5]. The bank also raised its interim dividend by 37%, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance returns and attract long-term investors [4].

Analysts noted that the move could further boost earnings per share and reinforce the bank’s appeal to long-term investors. The bank’s ability to deliver results in a challenging macroeconomic environment has solidified its position as a resilient player in the global banking sector [6]. While the bank reported strong revenue and profit growth, particularly in its Asian and Middle Eastern operations [7], it clarified that the buyback is distinct from its recent foray into cryptocurrency services for institutional clients [8]. These digital initiatives indicate a broader strategic shift but are not directly linked to the current buyback program.

Standard Chartered’s share price responded positively in early trading, with analysts suggesting that the buyback reflects confidence in the bank’s balance sheet and future cash flows [5]. The company has been increasingly vocal about its shareholder value strategy, which includes a combination of dividends and buybacks, a trend that has gained momentum in recent months [9].

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[1] Reuters - [https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/stanchart-sets-13-billion-buyback-first-half-profit-outstrips-forecasts-2025-07-31/](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/stanchart-sets-13-billion-buyback-first-half-profit-outstrips-forecasts-2025-07-31/)

[2] South China Morning Post - [https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3320239/standard-chartered-second-quarter-profit-rises-54-unveils-us13-billion-share-buy-back](https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3320239/standard-chartered-second-quarter-profit-rises-54-unveils-us13-billion-share-buy-back)

[4] Shares Magazine - [https://www.sharesmagazine.co.uk/news/market/175****183260653700/standard-chartered-sets-new-share-buyback-after-profit-beats-consensus](https://www.sharesmagazine.co.uk/news/market/175****183260653700/standard-chartered-sets-new-share-buyback-after-profit-beats-consensus)

[5] Yahoo Finance - [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stanchart-sets-1-3-billion-041447680.html](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stanchart-sets-1-3-billion-041447680.html)

[6] Mitrade - [https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1000423-20250731](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1000423-20250731)

[7] Bloomberg - [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-31/standard-chartered-announces-fresh-share-buyback-as-profit-beats](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-31/standard-chartered-announces-fresh-share-buyback-as-profit-beats)

[8] The Business Times - [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/stanchart-sets-us1-3-billion-buyback-first-half-profit-outstrips-forecasts](https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/stanchart-sets-us1-3-billion-buyback-first-half-profit-outstrips-forecasts)

[9] X (Twitter) - [https://x.com/business/status/1950772621492006916](https://x.com/business/status/1950772621492006916)