NatWest raised full-year guidance and brought forward share-buyback plans to full-year 2026, six months earlier than planned, after reporting higher earnings and completing the acquisition of wealth manager Evelyn Partners.

The U.K. lender posted a 29% rise in pretax profit to £2.29 billion ($3.08 billion) for the second quarter, beating a company-compiled consensus of £2.04 billion. Net interest income came in line with expectations at £3.51 billion, while total income rose 12% to £4.5 billion, outpacing a slight cost increase.

Chief Executive Paul Thwaite said deposits, lending and assets under management all continued to grow over the past six months, adding that the bank is well placed to accelerate progress.