Standard Chartered shifts to commission-based revenue, posts record Q1 with $5.9B revenue and 17.4% ROTE.

Standard Chartered is transitioning from relying on interest margins to generating commission-based, less capital-intensive revenues, focusing on Asia and Africa. In Q1 2026, the bank achieved record revenues of $5.9 billion, a 17.4% return on tangible equity (ROTE), and 32% growth in wealth solutions. Despite these gains, valuation remains moderate due to ongoing geopolitical and credit risks. The bank improved its cost-to-income ratio to 58% and is prioritizing capital allocation to high-return core markets, supporting profitability amid global credit challenges. However, credit loss provisions rose to $296 million, and net interest margin pressure continues, suggesting a cautious investment approach.