Standard Bank Reports Record R26.1bn Headline Earnings in 1H 2026

Standard Bank Group  reported a strong performance for the six months ended June 30, 2026, with headline earnings rising 10% to a record R26.1 billion. Return on equity (ROE) also improved to 19.8%, putting the bank within its 2028 target range of 18% to 22%.

The group said the performance was supported by client-led growth in non-interest revenue, balance sheet expansion, lower credit impairment charges and disciplined cost management. Its cost-to-income ratio improved to 49.3%, while the credit loss ratio fell to 73 basis points from 93 basis points a year earlier.

“Standard Bank delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2026. Strong client-led growth in non-interest revenue, together with disciplined cost and credit management, supported growth in headline earnings and our highest return on equity under the Basel III capital framework.”

– Sim Tshabalala, CEO, Standard Bank Group 

Tshabalala added that Africa Regions contributed 40% of group headline earnings, while the South African business recorded strong earnings growth and improved returns. He said the results reflected the resilience of Standard Bank’s diversified operations and its ability to support clients across Africa.

The group’s payments business also recorded growth, with domestic electronic payment values increasing 11% and cross-border payment values rising 7%. Standard Bank maintained market shares of 30% in South Africa and 19% across its Africa Regions business, reinforcing its position as a major transactional banking provider on the continent.

Across its business units, Corporate & Investment Banking delivered the strongest earnings growth, with headline earnings increasing 15% to R13.8 billion and ROE reaching 24.8%. Insurance and Asset Management also grew headline earnings by 15%, while Business & Commercial Banking and Personal & Private Banking recorded slight declines.

South Africa remained the group’s largest contributor, accounting for R13.4 billion, or 51%, of headline earnings. Africa Regions contributed R10.4 billion, or 40%, supported by operations in markets including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, Zambia and Mauritius.

Standard Bank also continued to expand its digital banking base in South Africa. Digital retail transactional clients increased 9%, with 69% of transactional clients now using digital channels, while digital transaction volumes grew 17%.

The group said it has mobilised R50.6 billion in sustainable finance during the first half of 2026, bringing cumulative mobilisation since 2022 to more than R328 billion against its target of R450 billion by 2028.

Looking ahead, Standard Bank maintained its 2026 guidance, expecting banking revenue growth in the mid-to-high single digits, a slight decline in its cost-to-income ratio and ROE to remain above the prior year. The group expects Africa’s economic growth and increasing activity across its markets to provide further opportunities despite intensifying competition, regulatory changes and rapid technological development.