Standard Bank reports record R26.1 billion headline earnings for H1 2026

Standard Bank Group reported record headline earnings of R26.1 billion for the first half of 2026, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous period. The bank’s return on equity (ROE) reached 19.8%, falling within the group’s target range of 18% to 22%.

Earnings were distributed across several segments: South African franchises contributed R13.4 billion (51%), while the Africa Regions franchise accounted for R10.4 billion (40%). The top contributors within the Africa Regions included Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia. Additionally, offshore businesses contributed R1.3 billion, and the group’s 40% stake in ICBC Standard Bank Plc contributed R1 billion.

Growth was driven by healthy balance sheet momentum, fee and trading revenues, and strong performance in insurance and asset management. The bank also noted lower credit impairment charges due to a resilient macroeconomic environment. Digital adoption remains a key focus; in South Africa, digital clients increased by 9%, with 69% of transactional clients now using digital services.