Standard Bank Posts Solid Half-Year Growth Despite Economic Headwinds

Standard Bank has reported a strong financial performance for the first half of 2025, with headline earnings per share rising 10% year-on-year.

For the six months ending June, the banking group posted headline earnings of R23.8 billion, an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Return on equity climbed to 19.1%, up from 18.5% a year earlier.

Group CEO Sim Tshabalala credited the results to resilient operations across the business, despite challenging economic conditions in South Africa marked by strained relations with the US and uncertainty around the national budget.

The Corporate and Investment Banking division emerged as a top performer, delivering a 16% rise in headline earnings to R12 billion. The bank’s Africa operations also made a significant contribution, generating R9.7 billion from key markets including Angola, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.

In South Africa, Standard Bank’s core market, headline earnings grew to R11.6 billion, reaffirming its position as the group’s most profitable segment.