Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited has reported a steady financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, posting a profit after tax of Sh12.4 billion and announcing a total dividend of Sh31 per share, marking one of the highest payout levels in its history.
The bank said the strong results were driven by firm customer demand and focused execution of its strategy, even as income lines faced pressure during the year. Managing Director and CEO Kariuki Ngari said the lender remained stable and continued to deliver value to shareholders.
“We have delivered a resilient performance in 2025 with profit before tax of Sh16.8 billion, translating to a profit after tax of Sh12.4 billion. The Board will be recommending to the shareholders the payment of a final dividend of Sh23.00 for every ordinary share of Sh5.00 at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. An interim dividend of Sh8.00 was declared and paid in October 2025, bringing the total dividend for the year to Sh31.00 per ordinary share,” Ngari said.
This brings the bank’s dividend payout ratio to 95 per cent, reflecting its strong capital position and commitment to rewarding investors.
During the year, the bank recorded notable growth in its wealth management business, with Assets Under Management rising to Sh302 billion. This represents a 29 per cent increase from December 2024, showing growing demand for investment and wealth solutions among clients.
“We continue to execute our strategy of combining differentiated cross-border capabilities with leading wealth management expertise underpinned by sustainability. Pleasingly, Assets Under Management closed at Sh302 billion up 29 per cent from December 2024, demonstrating the strong demand from clients for wealth solutions,” Ngari added.
Despite these gains, overall operating income declined by 17 per cent. This was mainly due to a 13 per cent drop in net interest income as lower interest rates reduced margins, alongside a 23 per cent fall in non-interest income linked to reduced transaction volumes.
The bank said the impact of lower income was partly balanced by growth in wealth solutions and careful control of costs. Operating expenses rose by 4 per cent as the lender continued to invest in business expansion and digital capabilities.
Its balance sheet remained solid, with net loans and advances standing at Sh154.3 billion, while customer deposits reached Sh283 billion.
Asset quality also improved, with non-performing loans dropping by 200 basis points to 5.4 per cent. Non-performing assets declined by 27 per cent to Sh8.8 billion, showing better credit management and recovery efforts.
Liquidity levels stayed strong throughout the year. The bank reported a liquidity ratio of 64.4 per cent, while both the Liquidity Coverage Ratio and Net Stable Funding Ratio remained well above required levels at 300 per cent and 155 per cent.
Ngari pointed to a stable local economic environment, noting that low inflation, a steady currency, and lower interest rates had supported business activity. At the same time, he cautioned that global risks could still affect the outlook.
“The Kenyan economic environment remains stable with low inflation, stable currency and lower interest rates. However, at present it is uncertain how the Middle East war will impact this stable environment. We will remain conscious of these developments and be ready to help our clients navigate through them as appropriate,” the CEO said.
The results highlight the bank’s focus on balancing shareholder returns, strong risk management, and investment in growth areas such as digital banking and wealth services, even as market conditions continue to shift.
