Standard Chartered announced a restructuring plan that will trim more than 15% of its corporate‑function staff by 2030, a move aimed at boosting productivity and profitability. The bank’s 2025 annual report identifies corporate‑function roles as employees in human resources, corporate affairs and supply‑chain management. Of the roughly 82,000 staff, about 52,000 work in support roles.

The cost‑reduction drive is part of a broader strategy to lift income per employee by roughly 20% by 2028. Standard Chartered also set a target of 15% return on tangible equity in 2028, an increase of more than three percentage points from 2025, and an 18% target for 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,” said CEO Bill Winters in a statement outlining the bank’s medium‑term goals.

Analysts have welcomed the new targets. Jefferies analyst Joseph Dickerson described the plan as “conservatively struck,” forecasting mid‑teens earnings‑per‑share growth and a potential upside beyond current guidance. Dickerson added that the company could pursue a 5‑7% revenue growth range, citing opportunities across its global footprint.

The announcement follows a stronger‑than‑expected profit rise of 17% last month, driven by growth in Wealth Solutions, Global Banking and Global Markets. The bank also recorded a $190 million charge for expected losses tied to the Middle East conflict.

Standard Chartered’s revenue mix is heavily weighted toward Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with about 6% coming from the Middle East. In a recent partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the bank secured a risk‑sharing facility of up to $300 million to support supply‑chain and trade‑finance assets in eight African markets, including Ghana and Kenya.

The restructuring and new financial targets signal the bank’s intent to deliver stronger shareholder returns while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.