HSBC restarts buybacks as profits mushroom on Hong Kong growth Proactive uses images sourced from ShutterstockHSBC Holdings PLC (LSE:HSBA) has unveiled a $1 billion share buyback, its first since pressing pause in October, after second-quarter profit earnings beat forecasts, supported by higher net interest income and growth in wealth. The FTSE 100's largest company reported pre-tax profit of $19.5 billion for the first six months of 2026, up 23% from a year earlier. Second-quarter pre-tax profit jumped 60% to $10.1 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $9.51 billion. Excluding notable items and currency movements, pre-tax profit increased by $1.1 billion to $20.4 billion. Wealth and wholesale transaction banking fees also benefited from stronger customer activity, particularly in Hong Kong.