# Standard Chartered cashes in on rising wealth demand as it hikes boss’s pay

By Matt Britzman — 2026-02-24

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Standard Chartered’s results were untidy at first glance, with profits missing expectations as weaker global markets income and higher costs outweighed a steady lending performance.

“That said, shareholders got a pleasant surprise from stronger capital returns, with a bigger dividend and a new buyback announced.

“More importantly, new guidance implies an upgrade to 2026 profit expectations, which helps explain why the shares are higher in Asia despite the slightly soft headline performance.

“After years of reshaping the business, the bank is in the best condition it has been for some time, with that progress increasingly showing up in the numbers and helping drive a 50 per cent share price gain over the past year.

“The growing foothold in affluent banking across Asia, Africa and the Middle East remains a clear long-term opportunity.

“There is still work to do on costs, but with the “Fit for Growth” programme entering its final year, further progress should be coming, and the valuation doesn’t look too demanding when stacked up against its Asian peers.”

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