FAB Reports Strong First-Half 2026 Earnings as Lending Growth Boosts Operating Income

FAB earnings continued to improve during the first half of 2026 as the bank delivered stronger financial results. Strong lending activity, higher interest income,...
HomeFinancialFAB Reports Strong First-Half 2026 Earnings as Lending Growth Boosts Operating Income

FAB Reports Strong First-Half 2026 Earnings as Lending Growth Boosts Operating Income

FAB earnings continued to improve during the first half of 2026 as the bank delivered stronger financial results. Strong lending activity, higher interest income, and business growth supported the positive performance across several divisions.

First Abu Dhabi Bank announced operating income of Dh19.5 billion for the first six months of 2026. The figure marked a seven percent increase compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, profit before tax reached Dh13.2 billion, reflecting a three percent annual increase.

Net profit also improved during the period. The bank recorded Dh10.73 billion in net profit, representing a one percent rise from the previous year. In addition, the return on tangible equity reached 18.5 percent, remaining above the bank’s medium-term target.

The second quarter delivered even stronger momentum. Profit before tax climbed to Dh7.08 billion during the quarter. That result increased 16 percent from the previous quarter. It also rose six percent compared with the same period last year.

Higher lending volumes played a major role in the bank’s performance. Net interest income increased 14 percent to Dh11.48 billion. Better lending margins also contributed to the improvement. At the same time, non-interest income remained stable at Dh8.02 billion. It represented 41 percent of total operating income.

Operating profit exceeded Dh8 billion during the second quarter. Continued client activity also supported business growth across multiple banking segments.

The bank expanded its balance sheet during the first half of the year. Total assets increased two percent since January to reach Dh1.41 trillion. Furthermore, net loans and advances grew seven percent to Dh661 billion.

Customer deposits also moved higher during the period. Deposits reached Dh853 billion after a one percent increase. The growth reflected steady business activity across different sectors of the economy.

Asset quality remained healthy throughout the first half. The non-performing loan ratio improved to 2.2 percent. In addition, the Liquidity Coverage Ratio stood at 140 percent. The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio also strengthened to 13.7 percent, remaining well above regulatory requirements.

FAB maintained its strong credit standing during the reporting period. Major international credit rating agencies reaffirmed the bank’s high ratings while keeping stable outlooks.

Group Chief Executive Officer Hana Al Rostamani said the results reflected the bank’s diversified business model and consistent execution. She explained that steady investment and a broad client base continued to support long-term performance.

She also highlighted ongoing investments in artificial intelligence. According to the bank, AI initiatives improved productivity by more than 20 percent. Additionally, automated processes reduced manual work between 70 and 80 percent across several important operations.

Investment Banking and Markets delivered another solid performance. Revenue from the division increased eight percent to Dh6.42 billion. Wholesale Banking also expanded strongly, with revenue rising 16 percent to Dh3.41 billion.

The bank continued attracting new customers across different business segments. New small and medium-sized enterprise client acquisitions surged 85 percent. Meanwhile, retail assets under management increased 20 percent.

International operations also delivered strong growth. Revenue from overseas businesses jumped 35 percent. As a result, international activities accounted for 22 percent of the group’s total revenue.

FAB earnings also reflected continued progress in sustainable finance. The bank said it has now facilitated Dh395 billion in sustainable and transition financing. That achievement represents 79 percent of its Dh500 billion target for 2030.

Looking ahead, the bank expects continued investment, expanding client activity, and digital innovation to support future growth. Strong lending, healthy capital levels, and steady business expansion continue to position the bank for sustained performance in the coming months.