Standard Chartered to reduce corporate roles by over 15% by 2030

Standard Chartered (SCBFF) announced plans to “invest ahead of long-term trends to maintain strong growth, boost productivity, further improve the quality of earnings, and maximise its competitive advantages.” The firm said it will: deliver a more than 15% RoTE in 2028, a more than 3% percentage point uplift from 2025, and building to roughly 18% in 2030; Produce a high-teens EPS CAGR and 5%-7% income CAGR from 2025-2028; Generate a cost-to-income ratio of about 57% in 2028, down from 63 per cent in 2025, aided by positive income-to-cost jaws; Drive productivity improvements to raise income per employee by roughgly 20 per cent by 2028, aided by a reduction in corporate functions roles of roughly 15% by 2030; Operate within a CET1 ratio range of 13%-14% with a loan loss ratio of 30-35bps through-the-cycle, and; Support a dividend payout ratio of 30% or more, with a progressive dividend per share. “Our strategy is grounded in a simple belief: the world is becoming more connected, more complex and more cross-border. Clients need a bank that can help them navigate that environment with confidence – that is where Standard Chartered is distinctive. Our trusted ability to combine network and product capabilities to solve challenging cross-border problems is difficult to replicate. We are investing in the capabilities that will compound our competitive advantages and drive sustainable growth and higher quality returns over time, with clear targets in place.”