FAB reports Dhs16.46 billion net profit for first nine months

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) reported a 3 per cent rise in group net profit to Dhs16.46 billion for the first nine months of 2026, compared with the same period a year earlier.

FAB's operating income increased 7 per cent yoy to Dhs29.71 billion, while profit before tax rose 5 per cent to Dhs20.22 billion.

The bank maintained strong momentum in the third quarter, with profit before tax increasing 9 per cent yoy to Dhs7.01 billion, supported by healthy business activity, solid revenue generation and disciplined cost management.

Balance-sheet growth remained broad-based, as loans and advances grew 10 per cent year-to-date to Dhs679 billion, while customer deposits increased 5 per cent to Dhs885 billion. Total assets reached Dhs1.47 trillion, representing a 7 per cent rise since the start of the year.

Net interest income rose 11 percent yoy to Dhs16.98 billion, driven by higher business volumes and improved margins. Non-interest income increased 3 per cent yoy to Dhs12.73 billion, contributing 43 per cent of Group operating income.

Operating profit grew 8 percent yoy to Dhs23.32 billion, reflecting FAB’s diversified earnings model and continued cost discipline.

Asset quality remained solid, with the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio declining to 2.1 per cent compared with 2.6 percent a year earlier. Capitalisation and liquidity remained comfortably above regulatory requirements.

The CET1 ratio strengthened to 14.0 per cent, and the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) stood at 140 per cent as at September-end 2026.

FAB continues to hold AA- or equivalent credit ratings with stable outlooks from Moody’s, Fitch and S&P.

Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB, said, “FAB’s performance in the first nine months of 2026 reflects the strength of our franchise and the consistent execution of our strategy. Group operating income rose 7 per cent year on year to Dhs29.71 billion, while profit before tax exceeded Dhs20 billion. Return on tangible equity reached 18.6 per cent, remaining above our medium-term guidance."

She added that the performance reflected sustained growth across the bank's businesses, the strength of its diversified platform and the continued expansion of its global operations, highlighting its ability to deliver consistent returns while maintaining a strong financial position.

"The UAE’s next phase of growth presents significant opportunities, driven by ambitious investment programmes, economic diversification and deeper integration across global markets. FAB is well positioned to support these ambitions, leveraging our scale, structuring expertise and international network to finance strategic sectors and connect clients with opportunities globally," Al Rostamani said.

Lars Kramer, Group Chief Financial Officer of FAB, said, “FAB delivered another strong quarter in Q3, with operating profit up 11 percent year on year, driven by sustained business momentum, robust income generation and industry-leading efficiency.”

He added, "Margins remained resilient, with NIM at 1.93 per cent, up 5 basis points year on year, underpinned by our diversified business mix and structural funding advantage. We delivered strong lending growth of 10 per cent year-to-date, driven by continued momentum across our wholesale and retail franchises as we supported clients, businesses and economic activity across key sectors.

Our high-quality deposit franchise, which grew 5 per cent year-to-date, together with broad access to global capital markets, enabled us to maintain pricing discipline in a competitive environment. The recent issuance of Dhs1 billion of Digitally Native Green Notes further broadened our funding capabilities in line with our focus on financial innovation."

Kramer said sustainability remained central to FAB’s strategy, highlighting its Dhs100 billion blue finance target and its position as the first bank in the Middle East and North Africa to sign the UN Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles.

WAM