Standard Chartered Aims for Higher ROE, but We Think Goal Is Challenging Amid Rate Cuts

Standard Chartered’s massive upheaval has delivered improved profitability, with the bank now looking to increase returns closer to its cost of capital. The turnaround has been difficult, but CEO Bill Winters' approach appears to be working. He has addressed issues with risk controls, culture, and cost base, and the group has begun to trim markets and products where it lacks the scale to be competitive.