Core Viewpoint - Standard Chartered Group reported strong financial performance for the first half of 2025, with significant increases in profit and revenue across various business segments, reflecting the effectiveness of its strategy focused on cross-border and wealth banking services [1][3]. Financial Performance Summary - For the first half of 2025, the adjusted pre-tax profit was $4.7 billion, up 22% on a constant currency basis; the reported pre-tax profit was $4.4 billion, up 30% on a constant currency basis [1]. - Basic earnings per share increased by 40.7 cents or 41% to 139.2 cents; reported earnings per share rose by 45.8 cents or 55% to 129.1 cents [1]. - The interim ordinary share dividend increased by 37% to 12.3 cents per share [1]. Revenue Breakdown - Operating income rose by 9% to $10.9 billion, with a 10% increase on a constant currency basis; excluding significant items, it increased by 13% (constant currency) [1]. - Net interest income increased by 4% to $5.5 billion (constant currency), while non-net interest income rose by 18% to $5.4 billion (constant currency), with a 25% increase when excluding significant items [1]. - Wealth solutions business grew by 24% (constant currency), driven by strong growth in capital market products [1]. - Global banking business increased by 14% (constant currency), supported by growth in lending and fee income [1]. - Global markets business rose by 28% (constant currency), with non-recurring income up by 50% and recurring income increasing by 19% [1]. Second Quarter Highlights - In Q2 2025, operating income increased by 14% to $5.5 billion (constant currency), with a 15% increase when excluding significant items [2]. - Net interest income remained stable at $2.7 billion (constant currency), while non-net interest income surged by 31% to $2.8 billion (constant currency), with a 33% increase when excluding significant items [2]. - Wealth solutions business grew by 20% (constant currency), with double-digit growth in investment products and bank insurance [2]. - Global markets business saw a significant increase of 47% (constant currency), with strong performance in both recurring and non-recurring income [2]. - Global banking business rose by 12% (constant currency), driven by increased lending and capital market activities [2]. - Adjusted pre-tax profit increased by 34% to $2.4 billion (constant currency), while reported pre-tax profit rose by 48% to $2.3 billion (constant currency) [2]. Strategic Outlook - The CEO highlighted the strong performance in the first half, emphasizing the success of the strategy focused on cross-border and wealth banking services, with record net inflows of new funds in Q2 [3]. - The company aims for a compound annual growth rate of 5-7% in operating income from 2023 to 2026 (constant currency), with expectations for 2025 growth to be closer to the lower end of this range when excluding significant items [3].