First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Reports Dh20.22 Billion Profit Before Tax in First Nine Months of 2026, Up 5% YoY

First Abu Dhabi Bank records 5% profit growth, 31% increase in international revenue and a stronger balance sheet, while expanding its AI, digital assets and tokenisation capabilities.

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest lender, reported a 5% year-on-year increase in profit before tax to Dh20.22 billion for the first nine months of 2026, supported by lending growth, higher net interest income and continued business momentum.

The bank’s group operating income rose 7% to Dh29.71 billion, while net profit increased 3% to Dh16.46 billion. Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) reached 18.6%, exceeding FAB’s medium-term guidance of more than 16%.

For the third quarter of 2026, profit before tax grew 9% year on year to Dh7.01 billion, reflecting stronger business activity, revenue generation and cost discipline.

Lending Growth Strengthens Balance Sheet

FAB’s loans and advances increased 10% year to date to Dh679 billion, while customer deposits rose 5% to Dh885 billion. Total assets reached Dh1.47 trillion at the end of September, representing a 7% increase since the beginning of the year.

Net interest income climbed 11% to Dh16.98 billion, driven by higher lending volumes and improved margins. Non-interest income increased 3% to Dh12.73 billion, accounting for 43% of total operating income.

Operating profit rose 8% to Dh23.32 billion over the nine-month period.

The bank also reported improvements in asset quality and capital strength. Its non-performing loan ratio declined to 2.1%, compared with 2.6% a year earlier, while its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio reached 14.0%. The Liquidity Coverage Ratio stood at 140% at the end of September.

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

FAB Expands AI and Digital Asset Capabilities

Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB, said the results reflected the strength of the bank’s franchise and the consistent execution of its strategy.

She highlighted opportunities arising from the UAE’s next phase of economic growth, supported by investment programmes, economic diversification and deeper global integration.

Al Rostamani said FAB would continue investing in the future of banking by expanding the use of artificial intelligence and advancing its capabilities in digital assets and tokenisation.

Lars Kramer, Group Chief Financial Officer of FAB, said operating profit increased 11% in the third quarter. The bank’s net interest margin reached 1.93%, up five basis points year on year.

Kramer added that FAB’s strong deposit franchise and access to global capital markets enabled it to maintain pricing discipline in a competitive environment.

The bank recently issued Dh1 billion in digitally native green notes, reflecting its continued development of digital financial instruments.

Wholesale and International Businesses Drive Growth

FAB’s investment banking and markets business recorded a 4% increase in revenue to Dh9.33 billion, while loans in the segment grew 22% year to date.

Wholesale banking revenue rose 13% to Dh5.14 billion, with loans increasing 14%. Growth was supported by demand for project finance, guarantees and working capital across Middle East–Asia corridors.

Revenue from personal, business, wealth and privileged client banking increased 4% to Dh10 billion, while deposits grew 10%. FAB retained its position as the UAE’s second-largest credit card issuer, and assets under management increased 11%.

International revenue recorded particularly strong growth, jumping 31% year on year and accounting for 22% of the group’s total revenue. International lending grew 3% sequentially, while customer deposits increased 8%.

Sustainable and Blue Finance Commitments

FAB continued to expand its sustainable finance activities, facilitating Dh417 billion in sustainable and transition financing. This represents 83% of its Dh500 billion target for 2030.

In September, the bank established a Dh100 billion blue finance target covering the 2026–2035 period. FAB also became the first bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to sign the United Nations Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles.

The latest results highlight FAB’s continued growth across lending, wholesale banking and international markets, alongside its focus on digital innovation, capital strength and sustainable finance.