KARACHI: Standard Chartered Bank Limited (SCBPL) announced the record half-yearly profit before tax (PBT) of Rs22 billion, showing an increase of 84 per cent, according to a statement released on Friday.

Overall revenue grew by 60 per cent to deliver highest ever top-line of Rs27.4 billion, with positive contributions from all segments.

Operating expenses continue to be well managed through operational efficiencies and disciplined spending with an increase of 11 per cent from the same period last year.

Moreover, reversal of Covid-19 general provision, coupled with lower impairments and strong recoveries led to a net release of Rs1.3 billion in H1CY22 against a net release of Rs0.7 billion in loan impairments in the comparative period.

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With a diversified product base, the Bank is well positioned to cater for the needs of its clients. On the liabilities side, the Bank’s total deposits grew by Rs48.0 billion showing an increase of 8 per cent, whereas current and saving accounts increased by Rs58.0 billion showing an increase of 10 per cent since the start of this year and comprise 94 per cent of the deposit base.

On the other hand, advances increased by 2 per cent during first half of the year and the Bank continues to monitor the portfolio in the prevailing economic environment as part of its strategy to build a profitable, efficient and sustainable business.

The external environment remains challenging, however we remain fully committed to delivering a sustainable growth for our shareholders, bringing the best in class services and solutions for our clients and playing our part in the growth story of Pakistan.

Standard Chartered continues to make good progress against its strategic priorities. The global network differentiates the bank for its clients, bringing forth innovative solutions, product specialisation and structured offshore offerings.

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The bank strives to maximise the contribution to State Bank’s initiatives on promoting housing finance and is consistently ranked amongst the top institutions.

As of now over Rs4.9 billion have been dispersed under Mera Pakistan Mera Ghar scheme. SCBPL has been a major contributor towards the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative and has channelled remittances of over $367 million into Pakistan since inception and contributed USD 320 million to the investments in Naya Pakistan Certificate (NPC).

In line with the State Bank’s efforts on financial inclusion, with enhanced digital offering Standard Chartered is now able to reach more clients across the country and provide them with convenience of opening accounts as well as subscribing to products and banking services online.

Overall, the bank’s transformation journey stands well-curated, closely aligned with the Pakistan’s landscape and helping lift participation through digitization.

Sustainable finance along with digital solutions for clients and their ecosystem stay as areas of keen focus for the Bank.

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SCBPL continues its efforts with the global initiative Futuremakers by Standard Chartered in Pakistan to tackle inequality and promote greater economic inclusion for young people in the community.

Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited commented: “I am pleased to share our record performance for the first half of 2022, which clearly reflect strong foundations, enhanced productivity and good headway towards achieving our strategic priorities.”

He also said: “The results give me the confidence that we have the right strategy to deliver real value to our clients, our investors and the communities where we operate.

“I am thankful to our clients and business partners for their ongoing trust in our capabilities and to our associates, colleagues and staff for their resilience, dedication and hard work in delivering such outstanding results. The Bank stands committed to their growth and well-being.

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“While we are investing heavily in our people, giving colleagues the skills they need to succeed, bringing in expertise in critical areas and evolving to a more innovative and agile operating model, we intend to drive innovation and increase our operational efficiency further.

“This operational leverage allows us to create capacity to invest in the many exciting and potentially transformational initiatives as the Bank’s pivot to digital continues,” he added.

With a strong Return on Equity (ROE) of 20.2 per cent for 1HCY22 and a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 15.3 per cent, the bank remains well positioned for future growth.

On the back of a strong performance, the board of directors were pleased to announce highest ever interim cash dividend of 15 per cent (Rs1.50 per share) in respect of the half year ended June 30, 2022.