**London**: Standard Chartered reported a 10% rise in Q1 pre-tax profits to $2.1bn, beating forecasts. Growth was driven by wealth management and net interest income despite caution over global trade tensions affecting future outlook.
Standard Chartered has reported a notable 10 per cent increase in pre-tax profits for the first quarter of 2025, achieving $2.1 billion, compared to $1.91 billion in the same period last year. This performance surpassed analyst forecasts, which averaged around $1.905 billion, signalling a stronger than expected start to the year for the Asia-focused bank. The increase in profitability was reflected in the bank’s return on tangible equity, which rose by 1.3 percentage points to reach 14.8 per cent.
Despite the positive financial results, Bill Winters, the group chief executive and a prominent figure in the UK banking sector, highlighted concerns regarding the potential repercussions of escalating trade tensions initiated by former President Donald Trump. “Imposition of trade tariffs has increased global economic and geopolitical complexity, and we remain watchful of the external environment,” Winters stated. He emphasised the importance of the bank’s presence in high-growth markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, asserting that these regions are integral to delivering long-term, sustainable value for shareholders.
In terms of income sources, net interest income had also seen an increase, rising by 3 per cent year-on-year to $1.6 billion when adjusting for constant exchange rates. A significant contributor to this growth was the bank’s wealth management division, which reported a robust 28 per cent increase in operating income on a constant currency basis. This surge was attributed to a rise in client interest in cross-border investment products and bancassurance, indicating a shift in customer preferences towards diversified financial solutions.
Overall, Standard Chartered’s first-quarter results reflect both its resilience in a challenging economic environment and its strategic positioning in lucrative markets, while also acknowledging the uncertainties posed by international trade dynamics.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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