Arab Bank Group’s net profit after tax rose 7% to $570.9 million in the first half of 2026, supported by higher income, balance-sheet expansion and growth across its core banking operations.
The Amman-headquartered group earned $535.3 million during the corresponding period of 2025. Total income increased 3%, with stronger commission and other non-funded income helping offset pressures arising from volatile economic and geopolitical conditions.
Total assets expanded 7% year on year to $80.3 billion at the end of June, reflecting growth across the group’s regional banking network. Its loan portfolio increased 6% to $42.1 billion from $39.8 billion, while customer deposits advanced at the same rate to $58.8 billion from $55.3 billion.
The figures indicate that deposit growth broadly kept pace with lending, helping Arab Bank retain a conservative liquidity position. Its loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 72%, giving the group room to pursue additional financing opportunities without placing excessive pressure on funding.
Total equity reached $13.5 billion, up from $13.2 billion at the end of 2025 and $13.1 billion after the first quarter of this year. The Basel III capital adequacy ratio was 17.3%, compared with 17.2% at the end of March, remaining comfortably above the minimum regulatory requirement.
Chairman Sabih Masri said the performance reflected the resilience of the group’s strategy and the strength of its underlying financial position. He said Arab Bank was continuing to monitor regional developments while managing risks proactively, protecting its balance sheet and seeking sustainable shareholder returns.
The group is also strengthening its presence in markets where improving conditions are creating new opportunities. Its priorities include reactivating operations in Syria, developing its franchise in Iraq and widening the range of services offered in North Africa.
Arab Bank has launched an Islamic banking window in Algeria, extending its ability to serve customers seeking Sharia-compliant products. The initiative adds a new component to the group’s conventional banking operations and positions it to compete for a broader share of retail and corporate business.
Expansion in wealth management and private banking is another focus. The group is drawing on Arab Bank Switzerland’s expertise to broaden investment, advisory and wealth-preservation services for high-net-worth clients across its markets.
Chief executive Randa Sadik said the first-half numbers demonstrated continued growth in the core business despite difficult regional and global conditions. The improvement in earnings was driven partly by robust non-funded income, which includes fees and commissions that reduce reliance on interest-based revenue.
Asset quality remained stable during the period. Provisions held against non-performing loans exceeded 100% of impaired exposures when collateral was excluded, providing a substantial buffer against possible deterioration in borrower repayment capacity.
That coverage level is significant as banks across the region navigate uncertainty surrounding global trade, energy prices, interest rates and geopolitical tensions. Arab Bank’s diversified geographical footprint and large deposit base have helped reduce its exposure to developments in any single market.
The group entered 2026 after reporting a record annual profit of $1.13 billion for 2025, an increase of 12% from $1.01 billion a year earlier. Equity stood at $13.2 billion at the end of December, while assets had reached $76.5 billion.
First-quarter profit increased 2% to $275.8 million. The acceleration to 7% growth over the six-month period suggests a stronger second-quarter contribution, with first-half profit implying earnings of about $295 million between April and June.
Arab Bank continues to invest in digital services and financial technology partnerships as customer activity shifts towards mobile and online channels. Its strategy includes developing products for consumers, small businesses and corporate clients while improving transaction speed, security and accessibility.
The lender has also pursued partnerships designed to expand digital payments and financial inclusion. Its operations in Egypt have worked with financial technology companies on prepaid cards and mobile-linked payment services, including access to instant transfer infrastructure.
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