LONDON (AP) -- Standard Chartered PLC, a London-based bank that does most of its business in Asia, said Tuesday first-half profit rose 26 percent after the company boosted net interest income.

Net income for the six months through June rose to US$1.37 billion (euro992 million) from US$1.09 billion in the same period a year earlier, the company said. Net interest income rose 18 percent to US$3 billion (euro2.17 billion).

Standard Chartered said it has incorporated its businesses in Pakistan and Taiwan ahead of schedule, both of which boosted earnings in the first half. In addition, the company has now fully incorporated its Chinese business into the group.

"Today we are seeing the rewards of a balanced and diverse business, leading the way in the dynamic markets of Asia, Africa and the Middle East," the company said in a statement. "We have had an excellent first-half performance and are keeping up the pace."

Standard Chartered shares climbed 2.9 percent to 1,615 pence (US$32,90; euro23.82) on the London Stock Exchange.