Its all change atStandard Chartered(LSE: STAN).Peter Sands, the groups current chief executive andone of the longest-serving chief executives in British finance, will step down in June after a tumultuous few years. He will be replaced by William T. Winters, the 53-year-old former head of JPMorgan Chases investment bank.
And many analysts believe that this power swap will be the first step onStandards road to recovery.
The Asia-focused lender has run into trouble over the past few years. Fines from regulators and unfavourable operating conditions within Korean have stalled growth and damagedthe banksreputation.
Whats more, analysts are becoming increasingly worried about Standards liquidity position as credit conditions across Asia deteriorate.
Heading for trouble
Standards current management is well aware that the banks capital position is not where it should be. For example, at the end of the fourth quarter, Standardscommon equity tier one ratio financial cushion stood at 10.7%,which isnt that bad, but the bank is facing multiple pressures on this front.
In particular, the quality of the banks loans across Asia continue to deteriorate, with the volume of loan impairments rising 1.05% to $795m during the fourth quarter. In total, the value on non-performing loans on the groups balance sheet hit $7.5bn during the fourth quarter, up around 4% during 2014.
So to try and boost its capital ratio without asking shareholders for help, Standardhasannounced a restructuring plan. The bank will try to cut$1.8bn in costs over 3 years thats around 17% of group costs reduce risk weighted assets by $25bn to $35bn around 8% of risk-weighted assets and the bank is targeting a higher common equity tier one ratio of 11% to 12%.
Will take time
Unfortunately, this restructuring will take time, something Standard may not have. Indeed, a large portion of Standards commercial loans have been made to commodity-sector companies, which are under considerable pressure at the moment.
Loans to companies active in the energy sector, account for 20% of Standards commercial portfolio, metals and mining constitutes another 9% of the loan book.
And if large numbers of these loans start to turn bad at the same time likely considering the current state of the oil market Standard could be forced to ask the markets for cash.
No longer an income play
To bolster its balance sheet, City analysts believe that Standard could as the market for as much as $5bn, or 3bn, roughly 12% of the groups current market capitalisation.
In addition, Standards new management could move to cut the banks lofty dividend payout, in order to save cash. So, if you brought Standard as an income play, it could be time to sell up and look for other income opportunities elsewhere.
TheMotley Fool specialises in hunting out the best income investments and ournew, free,income report double packis designed to help you find the market’s best income stocks.
What’s more, for a limited time only,you can gettwo reports in one. Along with “How To Create Dividends For Life”, we’re throwing in a new report entitled “My 5 Golden Rules for Building a Dividend Portfolio”.
This duo is designed to help you discover the market’s best income stocks.
Justclick hereto download the free report double pack today!
Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.