Standard Chartered Bank Reports Highest Operating Profit Since 2015 In Africa & Middle East Region

Standard Chartered PLC (the Group) today released its financial results for the full year and fourth quarter ending 31 December 2021.

In the Africa and Middle East region, the Bank has recorded its highest Operating Profit since 2015.

Performance Highlights:

• Broad-based growth and improvement in income and profits
• Income grew by 3.5 per cent to USD 2,446 million despite the adverse impact of rate cuts on margins. Record levels of income were reported in the bank’s Financial Markets and Wealth Management business
• Sustained Cost discipline resulted in a net reduction of 4 percent year-on-year despite continuing investments. This generated a positive income-to-cost jaws of 7 percent
• Pre-provision Operating Profit increased by 21 percent year-on-year
• Operating Profit grew to a robust USD 856 million, recording the highest level since 2015
• Strong improvement in the region’s Return of Tangible Equity (ROTE) ratio at 8.8 per cent
• Geographical Highlights:
  • A significant turnaround in the UAE with a healthy Operating Profit of USD 242 million compared to a USD 110 million during the same period last year, driven by cost reductions and de-risking actions
  • Pakistan delivered its highest ever Operating Profit, driven by strong balance sheet growth and continued productivity improvements
  • Middle East (ex-UAE) saw strong income growth driven by Saudi Arabia while maintaining cost discipline, resulting in a multi-year high level of Operating Profit
• The Bank’s income in Africa grew by 9 per cent on a constant currency basis driven by the digital banking momentum and strong pipeline conversion; Operating Profit for Africa was at the highest level since 2015

Commenting on the results, Sunil Kaushal, Regional CEO, Africa and Middle East said: “2021 was an exceptional year for us in the Africa and Middle East region. Our record financial performance demonstrates the progress made in the execution of our strategy. It is testament to the hard work and commitment of our team and the continued cost discipline which has allowed investments to continue though the cycle”.

Th record performance was also driven by income growth despite the lower interest rate which impacted the bank’s cash management and retail businesses.

“Throughout the year, we accelerated our digital transformation, proudly expanding our digital banking network in Pakistan, in turn strengthening our customer base through enhanced connectivity. Aligned to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030, we have also expanded our presence in Saudi Arabia last year to provide project finance, capital markets and cash management support to promote trade and investments.” Sunil concluded.

Standard Chartered Bank’s Africa, Middle East Region has received the following awards for the year 2021 which solidifies the Bank’s robust progress as industry leaders in the region.

• Most Impressive Bank for Middle East and Africa Bonds by Global Capital
• Bond House of the Year by Bonds, Loans & Sukuk
• Middle East Bond House of the Year by IFR
• Bank of the Year – Middle East and Africa, Global Deal of the Year – Jazan IGCC, AME Deal of the Year – Dubai Waste to Energy, AME PPP Deal of the Year – Yanbu 4 IWP, Central Asian Deal of the Year – Sirdarya 1, Middle East Gas Deal of the Year – Basrah Gas Company, African Deal of the Year – OML 17 by Project Finance International
• Best M&A House in MENA by Global Finance
• Best M&A House in MENA by MEA Finance
• World’s Best Consumer Digital Banks in Africa and the Best Consumer Digital Bank in 9 of our markets in Africa by the Global Finance Magazine
• Sukuk Adviser of the Year – Global, Best Islamic Investment Bank – Middle East, Best Green Sukuk, Best SRI Sukuk and Best Sovereign Sukuk by The Asset Triple A Awards
• Social Impact SRI/ESG Deal of the Year by the Islamic Finance News Awards