Fitch assigns Invest bank its first long-term Issuer Default Rating of 'BBB+' with stable outlook
- Last updated: July 20, 2026 | 13:20
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Invest bank (INB) on Tuesday announced that Fitch Ratings has assigned the bank its inaugural Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of 'BBB+' with a Stable Outlook and Government Support Rating (GSR) of 'bbb+', marking the bank’s IDR at investment-grade. The rating represents an important milestone in the bank's ongoing transformation and provides independent recognition of the progress achieved in strengthening its financial profile, rebuilding its franchise and positioning the bank for sustainable long-term growth.
According to Fitch, Invest bank's Long-Term IDR is backed by the expected Government support alongside adequate capitalisation, good liquidity coverage and improving financial performance. The Stable Outlook reflects the expectation that the bank will continue to execute its strategy while maintaining appropriate capital and liquidity buffers.
The rating follows a multi-year transformation programme undertaken by the bank to strengthen its balance sheet, enhance governance, risk management, improve operating performance and reposition the bank for sustainable growth. Following past restructuring, the bank returned to profitability in 2025 and has continued to build this momentum through disciplined execution and a clear strategic focus.
Fitch noted the continued improvement in the Bank's operating performance, including net interest income, adequate reserve coverage and a robust capital position. The agency highlighted the bank's liquidity profile and the expectation that legacy impaired assets may continue to reduce over the medium term as the transformation progresses.
While recognising that the bank continues to operate with a relatively small domestic franchise and remains in a rebuilding phase, Fitch acknowledged the progress made in strengthening the bank's financial resilience and executing its long-term strategy.
'A defining milestone,' says CEO Edris Al Rafi
“Receiving our inaugural investment-grade rating from Fitch is a defining milestone for Invest bank and an important validation of the progress we have made over the past few years," says Invest bank CEO Edris Al Rafi. "This rating reflects the dedication of our people, the continued support of our shareholders, and our unwavering focus on disciplined execution. We have consciously worked to strengthen our balance sheet through focused diversification and digitisation.
While we are proud of today’s achievement, we see it as an important steppingstone rather than the destination. Our priority remains creating long-term value for all our stakeholders be it our customers, shareholders, employees, regulators and the communities we serve, while continuing to build a stronger, more resilient and more competitive bank.”
Looking ahead
The investment-grade rating further strengthens Invest bank's position within the UAE banking sector and is expected to support engagement with investors, counterparties and funding markets as the bank continues executing its strategic priorities. Invest bank remains focused on disciplined growth, maintaining capital and liquidity buffers, enhancing customer experience and delivering sustainable value to all its stakeholders.
As Invest bank continues its evolution into a modern, technology-driven financial institution, Tuesday’s announcement marks an important step in a journey.
Founded in 1975, Invest Bank PSC (INB) is a leading public shareholding company, headquartered in Sharjah, UAE. With over four decades of significant presence, Invest bank has established itself as a reputable entity within the UAE’s banking sector, committed to delivering exceptional financial services. In 2019, the Government of Sharjah became a strategic partner, reaffirming the bank's position through commercial investment, with its shares publicly traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). Today, Invest bank offers a wide array of services including retail banking, corporate banking and investment services.