Strong Profitability and RoTE
Profit before tax excluding notable items of $10.1 billion and annualized return on tangible equity (ex-notable items) of 18.7%, up 0.3 percentage points year‑on‑year — highest print in nearly 20 years.
Revenue Growth
Revenue excluding notable items grew 4% year‑on‑year to $19.1 billion, driven by banking net interest income and strong wealth fee and other income.
Upgraded Banking NII Guidance
Banking NII increased $0.3 billion year‑on‑year to $11.3 billion (fell quarter‑on‑quarter), and full‑year banking NII guidance was upgraded to around $46 billion reflecting an improved interest rate outlook.
Wealth Franchise Momentum
Wealth fee and other income rose 15% year‑on‑year to $2.7 billion. Private Banking +8%, Asset Management +3%, Investment distribution +21%, Insurance +19%. Insurance CSM balance $15.2 billion, up 19% year‑on‑year.
Strong Wealth Balances and Net New Money
First quarter wealth balances reached $1.6 trillion, up 12% (+$170 billion) year‑on‑year; net new money in Q1 was $39 billion, with $34 billion coming from Asia.
Broad-Based Business Performance
All four business segments grew revenues in the quarter and each delivered annualized RoTE in excess of 17% (ex‑notable items), indicating broad strategic traction.
Deposit and Loan Momentum
Deposit growth of $99 billion over the past 12 months (including held‑for‑sale), with CIB deposits up $10 billion quarter‑on‑quarter; loans picked up (CIB momentum, Hong Kong and U.K. growth).
Simplification and Strategic Actions
Implemented a further $0.2 billion of simplification savings this quarter and remain on track for the $1.5 billion simplification target. Completed Hang Seng privatization and several disposals; agreed sale of Indonesian retail business with an expected up to $0.4 billion gain on completion (H1 2027).
Capital and Payout Discipline
CET1 ratio back in the operating range at 14% after expected impacts; quarter dividend $0.10 and target dividend payout ratio of 50% of EPS (ex‑material notable items). Management retains buyback discretion quarterly.
Cost Management Progress
On track for target ~1% cost growth in 2026 (target basis). Quarter cost growth was 3% year‑on‑year; excluding variable pay accrual (~1%), target basis cost growth was around 2%.