Staff Writer
Standard Bank Group says its performance for the ten months to 31 October 2025 stayed in line with the trends reported in the first half of the year. The bank said its full-year guidance remains unchanged.
In a voluntary trading update, the group said the economic environment across its sub-Saharan African markets showed easing inflation and lower interest rates.
Nigeria, Angola and Ghana recorded more stability following economic reforms, while Malawi and Mozambique continued to face high levels of sovereign stress. South Africa also experienced lower inflation and interest rates, with the central bank cutting rates by 100 basis points in 2025. Growth there remained subdued, although business sentiment improved.
Banking revenue increased by mid-to-high single digits compared to the same period last year. Net interest income grew on the back of stronger loan book activity, driven mainly by investment banking, although this was partially offset by lower interest rates.
Non-interest revenue stayed strong due to higher client volumes, increased activity and strong trading income during market volatility.
Costs rose because of higher activity levels, but management kept the increases contained, and revenue grew faster than expenses.
The group’s credit loss ratio was around the midpoint of its 70 to 100 basis points target range. Corporate and Investment Banking recorded higher impairments from a low base, while Personal and Private Banking saw lower credit charges due to improved arrears.
Business and Commercial Banking also reported better credit performance in South Africa and the rest of Africa.
Insurance and asset management earnings remained strong. Retail life insurance in South Africa improved due to better customer retention and lower risk losses.
Short-term insurance also benefited from a lower claims ratio and the absence of major weather-related events.
The group reaffirmed its expectations for the full year. It expects mid-to-high single-digit growth in banking revenue, operating expenses growing at or below revenue growth, and a return on equity between 17% and 20%.
Standard Bank will publish its full-year results and provide 2026 guidance on 12 March 2026.
The group will then host its Capital Markets Day on 26 March 2026, where it will present the financial and strategic drivers behind its 2028 targets, including headline earnings per share growth of 8% to 12% and a return on equity between 18% and 22%.
Caption
Standard Bank says Nigeria, Angola and Ghana benefited from reform-driven stability, while Malawi and Mozambique continued to face pressure from sovereign stress.
Photo: Contributed
