KARACHI: Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited has announced a profit before tax of Rs 32.9 billion for the first half of 2025, down from Rs 49.3 billion in the same period last year.
The bank’s total revenue stood at Rs 44.4 billion, reflecting a 24 percent decline, primarily due to lower interest rates. This was partly offset by higher non-funded income and reduced cost of funds. Despite a 13 percent increase in operating expenses, driven by inflation and investments in infrastructure and human capital, the bank maintained a strong cost-to-income ratio of 27 percent.
On the asset side, net advances rose by Rs 39 billion (23 percent), indicating improved economic activity. Deposits, however, fell 17 percent to Rs 697 billion, a decline linked to the bank’s deposit optimization strategy. The initiative improved the current account mix to 59 percent of the deposit base, compared with 48 percent a year earlier.
The bank reported a Return on Equity (ROE) of 28.8 percent and a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 21.5 percent. The Board of Directors declared an interim cash dividend of 35 percent, or Rs 3.50 per share, for the half-year ended June 30, 2025.
Commenting on the results, Rehan Shaikh, CEO & Head of Coverage, said the performance highlights the bank’s strong business fundamentals. “While macroeconomic factors have impacted short-term performance, Standard Chartered Pakistan remains steady with a robust balance sheet, diversified portfolio, and deep client relationships,” he added.
The bank also underscored its social impact initiatives, including the launch of the SC Women in Tech Program to address gender disparity in the technology sector, the Goal Accelerator Program empowering disadvantaged girls and young women, and its partnership with Karachi United to host the Seventh Youth League Football Tournament.
