Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Profit Falls 12% to Ksh 9.6 Billion in H1 2026

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya reported a 12% decline in profit before tax to Ksh 9.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2026, down from Ksh 10.9 billion recorded in the same period last year.

In a press release dated August 19, 2026, profit after tax also fell 17% to Ksh 6.7 billion from Ksh 8.1 billion in H1 2025, while earnings per share dropped to Ksh 17.58 from Ksh 21.18.

The decline followed a 9% drop in total operating income to Ksh 20.1 billion. In particular, net interest income fell 20% to Ksh 12.3 billion as higher volumes failed to offset rate and margin pressures.

However, Standard Chartered Kenya increased its non-interest income by 16% to Ksh 7.9 billion, supported by strong performance in Wealth Solutions and higher foreign exchange transaction volumes.

Birju Sanghrajka, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, said the bank maintained a strong capital position as it announced an interim dividend.

“The Bank delivered a profit before tax of Ksh 9.6 billion. Our capital remains strong and the directors are pleased to announce an interim dividend of Ksh 8.50 for every ordinary share of Ksh 5.00 to be paid to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 10 September 2026 and will be paid on or about 24 September 2026,” he said.

Consequently, shareholders on the register at the close of business on September 10, 2026, will receive the Ksh 8.50 interim dividend on or about September 24, 2026.

Standard Chartered Bank Assets Under Management Rise 13%

Meanwhile, Standard Chartered Bank recorded a 13% increase in assets under management to Ksh 343 billion from December 2025.

The growth reflected continued progress in the bank’s strategy to grow, manage and protect client wealth.

Sanghrajka said the performance demonstrated the strength of the bank’s client franchise and wealth management capabilities.

“This performance demonstrates the strength of our client franchise, differentiated cross-border network and market-leading wealth capabilities, as we continue to support clients in achieving their financial objectives and deliver sustainable growth,” he said.

At the same time, operating expenses remained broadly flat at Ksh 10 billion as Standard Chartered Bank maintained its focus on cost management and efficiency.

Also Read: Absa Group Increases Stake in Absa Kenya to 71.99% After Acquiring 189.4 Million Shares

Moreover, the bank reduced impairment losses on loans and advances by 57 per cent to Ksh 508 million from Ksh 1.2 billion. The decline reflected resilient overall credit quality.

The bank also grew its balance sheet by 15% from December 2025, driven by stronger client assets and deposits.

Loans and Deposits Increase

Meanwhile, the bank increased net loans and advances to customers by 10 per cent to Ksh 169.2 billion from Ksh 154.3 billion at the end of December 2025.

The bank attributed the growth to increased activity in Transaction Banking and Wealth Solutions.

Similarly, customer deposits rose 9 per cent to Ksh 309.1 billion from Ksh 283.5 billion, driven by growth in corporate deposits.

Current and savings accounts accounted for 95 per cent of total customer deposits, while the loans-to-deposits ratio stood at 55 per cent.

Furthermore, the bank improved the quality of its client assets, with the non-performing loan ratio improving by 40 basis points to 5.0 per cent.

Also Read: Access Bank Kenya Announces New Headquarters Location

Bank Maintains Strong Capital and Liquidity

Standard Chartered Bank maintained a strong liquidity position, with its liquidity ratio standing at 67.3 per cent, well above the 20 per cent regulatory threshold.

The bank’s Liquidity Coverage Ratio stood at 558%, up from 300%  at the end of December 2025. Its Net Stable Funding Ratio stood at 170%, against the 100 per cent minimum.

Additionally, the total capital ratio stood at 18.2%, above the 14.5% regulatory minimum. Core capital stood at Ksh 56.8 billion, while total capital reached Ksh 56.9 billion.

The bank said that the country’s economic environment remains stable, supported by low inflation, a stable currency and lower interest rates.

However, the bank remains alert to global economic uncertainties, including ongoing tensions in the Middle East that continue to affect energy markets and trade flows, as well as the pace of technological change.

The bank said it remains focused on staying close to clients, adapting quickly and executing strategies where its capabilities provide a clear advantage.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.

Photo of Standard Chartered Bank building PHOTO/Breadcom