London, Feb 12, 2026, 09:04 GMT — Regular session
- Standard Chartered shares slipped 0.7% to 1,802p in early trading London time
- Investors are still processing the unexpected departure of CFO Diego De Giorgi and the appointment of his interim successor
- Attention now shifts to the full-year results on Feb 24 and news about a permanent finance chief
Standard Chartered (STAN.L) shares slipped 0.7% to 1,802 pence (£18.02) in early London trade Thursday, retreating after a turbulent week. The stock started at 1,833.5 pence before dipping to a low of 1,798.5. 1
The drift is significant as the bank approaches its earnings release with a fresh interim finance chief at the helm. Investors are eager to see if the cost pressures and capital strategies remain consistent once the figures come out.
Standard Chartered announced Tuesday that CFO Diego De Giorgi has stepped down immediately. Deputy CFO Peter Burrill will step in as interim chief financial officer. CEO Bill Winters praised Burrill for offering “valuable continuity” to the finance team. The bank also confirmed De Giorgi won’t receive his 2025 annual bonus or the 2026 long-term share award. 2
The departure shook the market. Reuters noted that Standard Chartered’s shares on the London stock exchange dropped over 4% Tuesday, while the Hong Kong-listed shares plunged as much as 6.4% before recovering some ground. De Giorgi had been linked to the bank’s “Fit for Growth” efficiency initiative and was considered a likely successor to Winters, according to Reuters. 3
Jefferies analyst Joseph Dickerson described the timing as a “particular blow,” highlighting De Giorgi’s involvement in the efficiency program and investor relations, Banking Dive reported. 4
On Wednesday, Standard Chartered revealed a new partnership with crypto liquidity provider B2C2 aimed at boosting institutional access to digital-asset markets. Luke Boland, the bank’s head of fintech for Asia, described the collaboration as a way to deliver “regulated, scalable market linkage” while keeping risk management intact. 5
De Giorgi is joining Apollo Global Management as a partner and head of EMEA — covering Europe, the Middle East, and Africa — the firm announced. Apollo President Jim Zelter called him “a terrific steward” to lead the company’s growth in the region, where Apollo manages about $155 billion in client assets. 6
Standard Chartered shareholders are focused on how soon the board will appoint a permanent CFO and what approach Burrill will take on costs and capital returns. The CFO typically drives a bank’s messaging around risk, funding, and shareholder payouts—especially when market sentiment is shaky.
The bank plans to release its fourth-quarter and full-year results on Feb. 24, followed by a management presentation that same morning, as noted in its investor events calendar. 7
But the handover isn’t without risks. Dragging out the CFO search could shake confidence, and any misstep might get blown up if results or forecasts fall short. On top of that, the digital-asset drive faces an evolving regulatory landscape, where stricter oversight could delay launches.
Come Feb. 24, investors will be keenly eyeing the update for shifts on “Fit for Growth,” signals on capital returns, and a firmer timeline for appointing the permanent finance chief.
