Standard Chartered to cut over 15% of corporate functions roles as it targets higher returns
PUBLISHED TUE, MAY 19 2026 12:27 AM EDTUPDATED TUE, MAY 19 2026 12:40 AM EDT
Justina Lee@IN/JUSTINA-LEE-2742AA59
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KEY POINTS
- Standard Chartered cut support roles to improve productivity and returns.
- The lender raised profitability targets through 2030.
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Standard Chartered on Tuesday announced it would cut more than 15% of its corporate functions roles by 2030, while setting higher medium-term profitability targets.
The workforce reduction is part of the lender's efforts to raise income per employee by around 20% by 2028, StanChart said.
According to its 2025 annual report, corporate function roles include employees in human resources, corporate affairs and supply chain management. Of its roughly 82,000 employees, about 52,000 work in support roles, while the remainder are classified as part of its business workforce.
The lender also aimed for a 15% return on tangible equity in 2028, up more than three percentage points from 2025, and targeted about 18% in 2030.
"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," StanChart CEO Bill Winters said in the statement outlining the bank's medium-term targets.
Jefferies analyst Joseph Dickerson described the new targets as "conservatively struck," which he said would deliver mid-teens earnings-per-share growth and a path that could exceed guidance.
"The bigger picture is that the company can clearly commit to a 5-7% revenue growth range given the opportunities in its foot print against a matrix of unknowns in the broader geopolitical/macro environment," Dickerson said in a note.
Jefferies maintained its buy rating and a 2,250 price target on
StanChart's London-listed shares, which last closed at 1,921.50. Its
Hong Kong-listed shares were up more than 2% in afternoon trade.