Standard Bank Group closed the first half of 2025 with a total profit of 24 billion rand (1.32 billion USD), up 6% year-on-year, and a return on equity (ROE) of 19.1%, at the high end of its annual target range (17-20%). This was reported by the group in its report published on Thursday, August 14.
On the other hand, net banking income increased by 8%, driven by balance sheet growth, increased fee and trading income, as well as strict cost control. The group also announced an interim dividend of 7.80 rand (0.43 USD) per share, up 9%, reinforcing the confidence signal sent to the markets.
“Our performance in the first six months of 2025 reflects the solid momentum of our franchises in our activities and active capital management despite the volatility related to global developments. We remain confident and firmly on track to achieve the 2025 targets presented to the market in August 2021,” said Sim Tshabalala, CEO of Standard Bank Group.
Performance and Pan-African strategy
South African franchises remain dominant with 11.6 billion rand (638 million USD), contributing 49% to profit. They are followed by other African markets with 9.7 billion rand (534 million USD), accounting for 41% of profit. Offshore operations account for 1.6 billion rand (88 million USD). Finally, the 40% stake in ICBC Standard Bank PLC contributes 0.8 billion rand (44 million USD).
The main markets outside South Africa include Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia.
The Africa segment accounted for 41% of profits, confirming its strategic role. Investment banking activities reached a record high, driven by energy and infrastructure projects.
Operationally, the cost-to-income ratio improved to 49.4% (49.7% in 2024) and margins increased by 0.6%. In terms of digital, in South Africa, digital retail customers increased by 7%, successful transactions by 12%, and online sales by 33%, generating a 21% increase in digital revenues.
Despite the downward revision of global growth forecasts by the IMF (3% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026), Standard Bank remains confident in its African prospects, driven by medium and long-term structural opportunities. The group maintains an ROE between 17% and 20% for 2025, a stable or decreasing cost-to-income ratio, and anticipates a 8 to 12% growth in earnings per share for 2026-2028 and an ROE of 18 to 22%.
These results confirm the strength of Standard Bank’s model, capable of combining high profitability, Pan-African diversification, and increased commitment to sustainable finance, with a target raised to 450 billion rand (24.75 billion USD) by 2028.
