HSBC posted a 23% surge in pre-tax profits for the first half to $19.5 billion (2025: $15.8bn), driven by higher net interest income and increased fee income, particularly from its wealth management and banking services.
The increase was partly offset by higher expected credit losses and operating expenses, but was ahead of the $18.9bn that analysts forecast.
HSBC plans a new buyback of up to $1bn.
Group chief executive Georges Elhedery said: “HSBC is becoming the stronger bank we set out to build. We are executing our strategic priorities with pace, precision and discipline.
“This is allowing our four businesses to focus on their core strengths, grow, work together more effectively and deepen customer relationships. The result is a bank capable of achieving more.”
HSBC lifted its guidance for net interest income for this year, saying it now expects to exceed $46bn, having previously said it would hit that level..
The board declared a second interim dividend of $0.1 per share, following a $0.1 payout in May.
HSBC’s figures cap a strong earnings season for Europe’s big banks, which have extended a more than two-year-long recovery thanks to a surge in trading activity and resilient interest income despite dips in central bank rates.
