British banking and insurance holding company; Edinburgh-based
HSBC and other big banks report higher profits for the first half of 2026, prompting calls for a windfall tax. HSBC profits rise 19.5bn USD; investors eye bonuses and share buybacks. Campaigners urge tax to fund relief measures while unions press for higher bank taxes.
NatWest and Lloyds report higher half-year profits, with NatWest posting 4.3bn pre-tax profit and Lloyds following with 4.3bn, as AI and cost-cutting drive efficiency and expansion in wealth management and digital services.