Standard Chartered Bank posts Rs37.1bn profit before tax

KARACHI: Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited delivered a resilient financial performance for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2026 with a profit before tax of PKR 37.1 billion compared to PKR 46.1billion last period.

The bank posted revenue of PKR 53.6bn, down 15 percent year-on-year, primarily due to reduction in interest rates. Total expenses declined by 1 percent from comparative period, reflecting strong cost discipline despite investment in our people and infrastructure.

The bank continues to maintain an efficient cost-to-income ratio of 33 percent, one of the lowest in the industry. A prudent risk approach and strong recoveries of bad debts led to a net ECL release of PKR 1.2billion during the period.

On the liabilities side, the bank’s total deposits stood at PKR 739billion, registering an increase of PKR 88.7billion or 14 percent from the start of the year, with current accounts mix comprising 58 percent of the deposit book. On the assets side, net advances were higher by PKR 31.5billion or 15 percent during the year on the back of strong growth in corporate advances and mortgages.

The bank maintained its strong position in the mortgage market, continuing to support clients’ home ownership aspirations through its differentiated financing solutions.

Against a backdrop of improving macroeconomic stability, Standard Chartered continued its strong partnership with the Government of Pakistan by facilitating the country’s successful return to international capital markets after a four-year hiatus through the USD 3,750 million Eurobond and USD 250 million Panda Bond issuances.

Standard Chartered is investing in its digital capabilities and infrastructure to enhance clients’ banking experience through innovative solutions. With a healthy Return on Equity (ROE) of 22.1 percent for the period and a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 19.1 percent, the bank is well-positioned for growth.

Commenting on the results, Adil Salahuddin, CEO & Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited, said, “Our Q3 performance demonstrates the resilience of our franchise, with sustained quarter-on-quarter improvement reflecting disciplined execution, strong client relationships, and continued momentum across our balance sheet. We are particularly encouraged by the growth in both deposits and advances, which reflects client confidence and increasing economic activity.

“As Pakistan’s economic outlook strengthens, we see significant opportunity to support local and international businesses in sustainably growing and connecting to wider markets. Standard Chartered’s global network and deep local expertise position us well to facilitate these flows and contribute to the country’s next phase of growth.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026