FirstBank

FirstBankhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/First digital institution in Egypt for financial and banking ratings arجميع الحقوق محفوظة © 2026 FirstBankMon, 28 Sep 2026 08:11:59 +0200https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/SiteImages/Logo.pngFirstBankhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/https://en.firstbankeg.com/13410https://en.firstbankeg.com/13410KFH-Egypt, BANK NXT lead retail loan growth in H1 2026Kuwait Finance House Egypt KFH-Egypt topped First Banks ranking of the fastest-growing banks operating in EgypSun, 27 Sep 2026 14:09:05 +02002026-09-27T14:09:05+02:00<h3 data-id="PwQ9pN">KFH-Egypt tops the ranking, climbing from third place in 2025, while BANK NXT advances to second</h3><h3 data-id="uFjqug">Agricultural Bank of Egypt ranks third following retail banking restructuring and new talent recruitment</h3><h3 data-id="f8n9XA">Seven banks retain their places among the top 10 in both the 2025 and H1 2026 rankings</h3><h3 data-id="DYhv6K">Retail loans across 26 banks operating in Egypt reaches EGP 1.32tn, up 13.36% in H1 2026</h3>Kuwait Finance House – Egypt (KFH-Egypt) topped First Bank’s ranking of the fastest-growing banks operating in Egypt by retail loans during the first half of 2026, climbing from third place in the 2025 ranking.The bank's retail loan portfolio grew approximately 46.1 per cent to EGP 14.43bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 9.88bn at end-2025.BANK NXT secured second place after its retail loan portfolio expanded 29.4 per cent during the first six months of 2026 to EGP 23.19bn at end-June, compared with EGP 17.93bn at end-2025.Agricultural Bank of Egypt ranked third, with its retail loan portfolio rising 29.1 per cent during the first half of 2026 to EGP 8.29bn at end-June, from EGP 6.42bn at end-2025.First Bank’s ranking covered the retail loan portfolios of 26 banks operating in Egypt for which financial data were available. Of these, 25 recorded positive growth, while one bank registered a significant decline during the first half of 2026.Seven banks retained their presence among the 10 fastest-growing banks by retail loans in both the 2025 and H1 2026 rankings. KFH-Egypt rose from third place in 2025 to the top of the ranking in H1 2026, while BANK NXT climbed from fifth to second.Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank) secured fourth place in H1 2026, up from 10th in the 2025 ranking. National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (NBK-Egypt) also advanced, climbing from seventh place in 2025 to fifth in the first half of 2026.By contrast, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Egypt (ADIB-Egypt) slipped from fourth place in 2025 to seventh at end-June 2026.Suez Canal Bank ranked eighth in H1 2026, down from second in 2025, while Emirates NBD Egypt retained ninth place.Across the banking sector, the combined retail loan portfolios of the 26 banks reached approximately EGP 1.32tn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 1.16tn at end-2025, representing growth of 13.36 per cent during the first half of the year.Commercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB) maintained its lead among private-sector banks by retail loan portfolio size, with EGP 103.36bn at end-June 2026. QNB Egypt ranked second, with retail loans totalling EGP 92bn at end-June.All figures and growth rates cited in this analysis are based on the standalone financial statements published by each bank at end-June 2026. <div class="embed"><table class="financial-table display" style="border-collapse:collapse !important;width:100% !important;max-width:100% !important;table-layout:auto !important;font-size:15px !important;"><thead><tr><th style="box-sizing:border-box !important;padding:10px 12px !important;border:1px solid #cccccc !important;background:#f2f2f2 !important;color:#222222 !important;text-align:right !important;font-weight:700 !important;">Rank</th><th style="box-sizing:border-box !important;padding:10px 12px !important;border:1px solid #cccccc !important;background:#f2f2f2 !important;color:#222222 !important;text-align:right !important;font-weight:700 !important;">Bank name</th><th style="box-sizing:border-box !important;padding:10px 12px !important;border:1px solid #cccccc !important;background:#f2f2f2 !important;color:#222222 !important;text-align:right !important;font-weight:700 !important;">Retail loans, Jun 2026 (EGP bn)</th><th style="box-sizing:border-box !important;padding:10px 12px !important;border:1px solid #cccccc !important;background:#f2f2f2 !important;color:#222222 !important;text-align:right !important;font-weight:700 !important;">Retail loans, Dec 2025 (EGP bn)</th><th style="box-sizing:border-box !important;padding:10px 12px !important;border:1px solid #cccccc !important;background:#f2f2f2 !important;color:#222222 !important;text-align:right !important;font-weight:700 !important;">Growth rate (%)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td data-order="1">1</td><td><img alt="بنك بيت التمويل الكويتي مصر KFH" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/33.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/33.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/33.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/33.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/33.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/33.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك بيت التمويل الكويتي مصر KFH"> Kuwait Finance House – Egypt</td><td data-order="14.43">14.43</td><td data-order="9.88">9.88</td><td data-order="46.12">46.12%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="2">2</td><td><img alt="بنك نكست BANK NXT" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/11.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/11.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/11.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/11.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/11.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/11.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك نكست BANK NXT"> BANK NXT</td><td data-order="23.19">23.19</td><td data-order="17.93">17.93</td><td data-order="29.36">29.36%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="3">3</td><td><img alt="البنك الزراعي المصري" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/17.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/17.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/17.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/17.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/17.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/17.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="البنك الزراعي المصري"> Agricultural Bank of Egypt</td><td data-order="8.29">8.29</td><td data-order="6.42">6.42</td><td data-order="29.13">29.13%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="4">4</td><td><img alt="بنك تنمية الصادرات EBank" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/36.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/36.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/36.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/36.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/36.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/36.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك تنمية الصادرات EBank"> EBank</td><td data-order="17.52">17.52</td><td data-order="13.81">13.81</td><td data-order="26.82">26.82%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="5">5</td><td><img alt="بنك الكويت الوطني NBK" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/24.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/24.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/24.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/24.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/24.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/24.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك الكويت الوطني NBK"> National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt</td><td data-order="31.73">31.73</td><td data-order="25.36">25.36</td><td data-order="25.12">25.12%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="6">6</td><td><img alt="البنك العربي الافريقي الدولي AAIB" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/46.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/46.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/46.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/46.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/46.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/46.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="البنك العربي الافريقي الدولي AAIB"> Arab African International Bank</td><td data-order="37.18">37.18</td><td data-order="30.96">30.96</td><td data-order="20.1">20.10%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="7">7</td><td><img alt="مصرف أبوظبي الإسلامي ADIB" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/16.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/16.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/16.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/16.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/16.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/16.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="مصرف أبوظبي الإسلامي ADIB"> Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Egypt</td><td data-order="57.69">57.69</td><td data-order="48.33">48.33</td><td data-order="19.38">19.38%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="8">8</td><td><img alt="بنك قناة السويس" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/26.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/26.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/26.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/26.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/26.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/26.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك قناة السويس"> Suez Canal Bank</td><td data-order="13.57">13.57</td><td data-order="11.55">11.55</td><td data-order="17.48">17.48%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="9">9</td><td><img alt="بنك الإمارات دبي الوطني" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/35.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/35.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/35.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/35.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/35.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/35.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك الإمارات دبي الوطني"> Emirates NBD Egypt</td><td data-order="25.44">25.44</td><td data-order="21.8">21.80</td><td data-order="16.74">16.74%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="10">10</td><td><img alt="المصرف المتحد" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/29.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/29.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/29.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/29.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/29.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/29.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="المصرف المتحد"> The United Bank</td><td data-order="10.98">10.98</td><td data-order="9.43">9.43</td><td data-order="16.41">16.41%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="11">11</td><td><img alt="البنك الأهلي المصري NBE" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="البنك الأهلي المصري NBE"> National Bank of Egypt</td><td data-order="500">500.00</td><td data-order="437.5">437.50</td><td data-order="14.29">14.29%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="12">12</td><td><img alt="البنك الأهلي المصري NBE" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/1.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="البنك الأهلي المصري NBE"> QNB Egypt</td><td data-order="92">92.00</td><td data-order="81.11">81.11</td><td data-order="13.43">13.43%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="13">13</td><td><img alt="بنك أبوظبي الأول FAB" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/28.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/28.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/28.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/28.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/28.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/28.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك أبوظبي الأول FAB"> FABMISR</td><td data-order="29.42">29.42</td><td data-order="26.23">26.23</td><td data-order="12.19">12.19%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="14">14</td><td><img alt="البنك التجاري الدولي CIB" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/2.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/2.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/2.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/2.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/2.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/2.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="البنك التجاري الدولي CIB"> Commercial International Bank (CIB)</td><td data-order="103.36">103.36</td><td data-order="92.28">92.28</td><td data-order="12.01">12.01%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="15">15</td><td><img alt="بنك ABC" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/25.jpg?20221130142808','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/25.png?20221130142808','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/25.jpeg?20221130142808','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/25.webp?20221130142808','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/25.png?20221130142808'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/25.jpg?20221130142808" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك ABC"> Bank ABC</td><td data-order="6.27">6.27</td><td data-order="5.63">5.63</td><td data-order="11.48">11.48%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="16">16</td><td><img alt="بنك التعمير والاسكان HDB" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/21.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/21.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/21.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/21.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/21.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/21.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك التعمير والاسكان HDB"> Housing and Development Bank</td><td data-order="36.69">36.69</td><td data-order="32.93">32.93</td><td data-order="11.39">11.39%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="17">17</td><td><img alt="التجاري وفا بنك" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/12.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/12.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/12.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/12.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/12.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/12.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="التجاري وفا بنك"> Attijariwafa Bank Egypt</td><td data-order="14.6">14.60</td><td data-order="13.18">13.18</td><td data-order="10.82">10.82%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="18">18</td><td><img alt="بنك البركة الإسلامي مصر" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/40.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/40.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/40.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/40.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/40.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/40.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك البركة الإسلامي مصر"> Al Baraka Bank Egypt</td><td data-order="19.94">19.94</td><td data-order="18.08">18.08</td><td data-order="10.28">10.28%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="19">19</td><td><img alt="بنك SAIB" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/37.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/37.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/37.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/37.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/37.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/37.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك SAIB"> saib</td><td data-order="31.09">31.09</td><td data-order="28.21">28.21</td><td data-order="10.24">10.24%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="20">20</td><td><img alt="بنك الاسكندرية AlexBank" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/19.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/19.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/19.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/19.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/19.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/19.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك الاسكندرية AlexBank"> Bank of Alexandria</td><td data-order="41.49">41.49</td><td data-order="37.82">37.82</td><td data-order="9.71">9.71%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="21">21</td><td><img alt="EGBANK" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/27.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/27.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/27.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/27.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/27.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/27.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="EGBANK"> EGBANK</td><td data-order="34.82">34.82</td><td data-order="32.14">32.14</td><td data-order="8.34">8.34%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="22">22</td><td><img alt="بنك أبوظبي التجاري ADCB" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/45.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/45.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/45.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/45.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/45.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/45.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك أبوظبي التجاري ADCB"> ADCB Egypt</td><td data-order="14.35">14.35</td><td data-order="13.54">13.54</td><td data-order="5.99">5.99%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="23">23</td><td><img alt="بنك كريدي أجريكول مصر" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/14.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/14.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/14.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/14.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/14.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/14.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك كريدي أجريكول مصر"> Credit Agricole Egypt</td><td data-order="18.07">18.07</td><td data-order="17.06">17.06</td><td data-order="5.93">5.93%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="24">24</td><td><img alt="بنك القاهرة" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/44.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/44.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/44.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/44.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/44.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/44.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك القاهرة"> Banque du Caire</td><td data-order="106.92">106.92</td><td data-order="102.31">102.31</td><td data-order="4.51">4.51%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="25">25</td><td><img alt="بنك فيصل الإسلامي" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/39.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/39.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/39.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/39.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/39.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/39.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="بنك فيصل الإسلامي"> Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt</td><td data-order="4.43">4.43</td><td data-order="4.31">4.31</td><td data-order="2.93">2.93%</td></tr><tr><td data-order="26">26</td><td><img alt="البنك الأهلي الكويتي ABK" data-try="0" loading="lazy" onerror="var u=['https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/34.jpg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/34.png','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/34.jpeg','https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/34.webp','https://en.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/34.png'],i=parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-try')||'0',10);if(i<u.length){this.setAttribute('data-try',i+1);this.src=u[i];}else{this.remove();}" src="https://www.firstbankeg.com/UserFiles/FBanks/34.jpg" style="width:28px;height:28px;object-fit:contain;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:8px;border-radius:4px;background:#fff;" title="البنك الأهلي الكويتي ABK"> Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait – Egypt</td><td data-order="26.12">26.12</td><td data-order="26.35">26.35</td><td data-order="-0.88">-0.88%</td></tr></tbody></table></div> Agricultural Bank of Egypt,retail loans,Bank NXT,KFH-Egypt,retail loan growthhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13409https://en.firstbankeg.com/13409Saudi banks secure 10 places in First Bank’s Arab top 30, led by SNBFirst Banks ranking of the 100 largest Arab banks by total assets at end-June 2026 revealed a strong Saudi preSun, 27 Sep 2026 13:28:34 +02002026-09-27T13:28:34+02:00First Bank’s ranking of the 100 largest Arab banks by total assets at end-June 2026 revealed a strong Saudi presence, with all 10 Saudi banks included in the ranking securing places among the top 30.Saudi National Bank (SNB) led the Kingdom’s representation, ranking fourth among Arab banks with total assets of USD 331.28bn at end-June 2026.Al Rajhi Bank followed in fifth place, with assets of USD 280.73bn, trailing SNB by USD 50.55bn.Saudi Arabia’s presence extended further into the leading positions, with Riyad Bank ranking ninth with assets of USD 142.03bn, followed by Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) in 11th place with USD 126.28bn.Further down the ranking, Alinma Bank secured 16th place with assets of USD 87.64bn, just USD 340mn ahead of Banque Saudi Fransi, which ranked 17th with USD 87.30bn.Arab National Bank ranked 20th, with total assets of USD 78.65bn, extending the Kingdom’s representation across the upper ranks of the list.Three more Saudi banks completed the Kingdom’s presence among the top 30. Bank Albilad ranked 26th with assets of USD 49.63bn, followed by the Saudi Investment Bank in 27th place with USD 48.98bn and Bank AlJazira in 28th with USD 48.22bn at end-June 2026.The distribution underscores the concentration of Saudi banks among the region’s largest institutions. Three featured in the top 10, including two among the five largest Arab banks, while seven ranked among the top 20 and all 10 secured places within the top 30.assets,Al Rajhi Bank,100 largest Arab banks,Saudi banks,top 30,SNBhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13408https://en.firstbankeg.com/13408Yasmin ElsayedThe United Bank under Tarek Fayed: A year of accelerated growth, bolder deploymentThe United Bank has accelerated its growth over the past year under Tarek Fayed, who took over as Chairman andSun, 27 Sep 2026 12:52:01 +02002026-09-27T12:52:01+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayeThe United Bank has accelerated its growth over the past year under Tarek Fayed, who took over as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer on 1 September 2025, succeeding Ashraf El Kady.During his first year, the bank expanded its business profile, with funding growth accompanied by faster lending expansion and improved asset quality, while maintaining strong capital and liquidity levels.During his first year, the transformation extended beyond balance-sheet growth to the bank’s core business lines. Deposits increased sharply, lending expanded at an even faster pace, and corporate banking grew alongside continued expansion in retail banking. Meanwhile, the non-performing loan ratio improved despite the growth in the loan portfolio.<h2 data-id="CA8Ih1">Business expansion and a stronger funding base</h2>According to its standalone financial statements, the United Bank’s total assets rose 30.8 per cent to EGP 117.01bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 89.49bn at end-June 2025, an increase of EGP 27.53bn.Deposit growth was the main driver of this expansion, with customer deposits rising 31.4 per cent to EGP 91.58bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 69.71bn a year earlier, an increase of EGP 21.87bn.Growth was not confined to a single segment. Retail deposits increased 18.7 per cent year on year to EGP 50.46bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 42.52bn at end-June 2025, an increase of EGP 7.94bn.Corporate deposits, meanwhile, surged 51.2 per cent year on year to EGP 41.12bn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 27.19bn a year earlier, an increase of EGP 13.93bn.The corporate segment therefore accounted for the largest share of the increase in the bank’s funding base, while retail banking continued to support deposit growth, providing the bank with a larger and more diversified funding base.<h2 data-id="MTfjw6">Beyond funding: Accelerating credit growth</h2>The expansion in funding extended beyond financial position growth, translating directly into stronger lending activity. The United Bank’s customer loan portfolio grew 42.6 per cent year on year to EGP 49.63bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 34.79bn at end-June 2025, an increase of EGP 14.84bn.Loan growth consequently outpaced deposit growth, lifting the bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio to 54.19 per cent at end-June 2026, from 49.91 per cent a year earlier, an increase of 4.28 percentage points.This shift reflects the deployment of a greater proportion of new funding into lending, strengthening the bank’s ability to translate deposit growth into credit expansion and increase its income-generating business.<h2 data-id="47A11q">Corporates drive expansion as retail lending broadens</h2>Corporates segment emerged as the main driver of loan portfolio growth. Corporate loans, including lending to small businesses, rose 48.1 per cent year on year to EGP 38.66bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 26.11bn at end-June 2025.At the same time, retail loans maintained its upward trajectory, with the portfolio growing 26.3 per cent year on year to EGP 10.98bn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 8.69bn a year earlier.The figures highlight two parallel drivers of credit expansion. While corporate lending accounted for the largest share of the increase, retail loans continued to grow, supporting a more diversified loan portfolio and broadening the bank’s lending activities.<h2 data-id="hWZj0g">Loan portfolio expands, quality improves</h2>The development of the bank’s loan portfolio extended beyond growth in its size to an improvement in credit quality. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declined to 0.91 per cent at end-June 2026, from 1.45 per cent at end-June 2025.This placed the United Bank among the 10 leading banks in Egypt by NPL ratio, well below the banking sector average of 1.8 per cent at the end of the same period.The improvement is particularly notable given that the decline in the NPL ratio coincided with an expansion in the loan portfolio, reflecting the bank’s ability to maintain lending growth while improving asset-quality indicators.Credit expansion during Fayed’s first year therefore had two dimensions: a substantial increase in lending activity and an improvement in the quality of the growing portfolio.<h2 data-id="XXkJov">Business expansion supports profitability</h2>The expansion in business profile was also reflected in the bank’s operating performance during the first half of 2026, when the United Bank recorded a net profit of EGP 1.31bn.Net interest income rose 8.9 per cent to EGP 2.71bn in the first half of 2026, from EGP 2.49bn in the corresponding period of 2025.Net fee and commission income also increased 4.5 per cent to EGP 367.38mn, compared with EGP 351.63mn in the first half of 2025.The bank also recorded a Return on Average Assets (ROAA) of 2.42 per cent and a Return on Average Equity (ROAE) of 14.87 per cent during the first half of 2026.<h2 data-id="QeKWWP">Accelerating growth puts the United Bank among Egypt’s fastest-growing banks</h2>The strength of the United Bank’s growth trajectory became particularly evident in its first-half 2026 results, as the pace of its business expansion emerged as a distinguishing factor in comparisons with its peers.This was reflected in First Bank’s rankings, where the United Bank topped the lists of the fastest-growing banks by customer deposits and customer loans during the first half of 2026.It also ranked fourth among the fastest-growing banks by total assets during the period and second among banks listed on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX).Tarek Fayed’s first year at the United Bank therefore marked a clear transformation in the bank’s growth trajectory, reflected in a larger business and an improved position among Egypt’s fastest-growing banks.As a new year begins, the focus shifts from building momentum to testing the bank’s ability to sustain it and translate it into long-term expansion.Growth,loan portfolio,Tarek Fayed,The United Bank,deploymenthttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13406https://en.firstbankeg.com/13406ADIB-Egypt leads shareholders’ equity growth in H1 2026Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt ADIB-Egypt recorded strong growth in shareholders equity during the first half ofThu, 24 Sep 2026 16:42:05 +02002026-09-24T16:42:05+02:00Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Egypt (ADIB-Egypt) recorded strong growth in shareholders’ equity during the first half of 2026, rising 26.1 per cent to EGP 42.45bn at end-June, from EGP 33.65bn at end-2025.The performance propelled the bank to the top of First Bank’s ranking of the fastest-growing banks operating in Egypt by shareholders’ equity in H1 2026, up from fourth place in the 2025 ranking.ADIB-Egypt also delivered strong financial results during the period, with net profit rising 21.6 per cent to EGP 7.34bn, from EGP 6.04bn in the first half of 2025.Profit before income tax increased 27.6 per cent to EGP 10.46bn, compared with EGP 8.20bn a year earlier.Net interest income climbed 27.7 per cent to EGP 11.95bn in H1 2026, from EGP 9.36bn in the corresponding period of 2025.Net fee and commission income rose 11.2 per cent to EGP 1.50bn, compared with EGP 1.35bn a year earlier.The bank’s balance sheet also expanded during the first half of 2026, with total assets rising 19.7 per cent to EGP 411.85bn at end-June, from EGP 344.50bn at end-2025.Customer deposits increased 19.6 per cent to EGP 332.67bn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 278.09bn at end-2025.Net customer financing recorded the strongest growth among the bank’s key balance-sheet indicators, rising 29.4 per cent to EGP 190.81bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 147.48bn at end-2025.net profit,ADIB-Egypt,Growth,shareholders’ Equity,financiall resultshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13401https://en.firstbankeg.com/13401Suez Canal Bank tops First Bank’s three-year direct corporate loan growth rankingSuez Canal Bank recorded a significant expansion in its direct corporate loan portfolio over the past three yeWed, 23 Sep 2026 15:25:07 +02002026-09-23T15:25:07+02:00Suez Canal Bank recorded a significant expansion in its direct corporate loan portfolio over the past three years, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 85.6 per cent.The bank's portfolio rose to EGP 42.77bn at end-2025, from EGP 6.69bn at end-2022.This performance propelled the bank to first place in First Bank’s ranking of the fastest-growing banks operating in Egypt by direct corporate loans over the three-year period from 2022 to 2025.The bank maintained its growth momentum in 2026, with its direct corporate loan portfolio reaching EGP 52.49bn at end-June.Suez Canal Bank also recorded strong financial performance in the first half of 2026, with net profit rising 17.7 per cent to EGP 3.63bn, from EGP 3.08bn in the same period of 2025, an increase of EGP 545mn.Net interest income surged 47.4 per cent to EGP 5.70bn in the first half of 2026, compared with EGP 3.87bn a year earlier, an increase of EGP 1.83bn.Net fee and commission income rose 10.3 per cent to EGP 763.6mn, from EGP 692.1mn in the corresponding period of 2025.The bank’s balance sheet also expanded during the first half of 2026, with total assets increasing 13.6 per cent, or EGP 36.86bn, to EGP 306.98bn at end-June, from EGP 270.12bn at end-2025.Customer deposits rose 14.3 per cent to EGP 238.93bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 209.04bn at end-2025, an increase of EGP 29.88bn.Customer loans also grew 10.8 per cent to EGP 135.57bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 122.37bn at end-2025, reflecting continued expansion in the bank’s lending activities.Suez Canal Bank,net interest income,Ranking,Direct corporate loans,direct corporate loan portfoliohttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13400https://en.firstbankeg.com/13400Shimaa NasserFed’s first hike in 3 years raises questions over CBE’s next moveThe Central Bank of Egypts CBE Monetary Policy Committee MPC is set to meet on Thursday, 24 September 2026, toWed, 23 Sep 2026 14:54:59 +02002026-09-23T14:54:59+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedThe Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is set to meet on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to decide on interest rates, amid renewed debate over the influence of recent rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve and Gulf central banks on Egypt’s monetary policy.The MPC bases its decisions on a broad range of domestic and external indicators, primarily inflation and its outlook, alongside exchange-rate developments, domestic liquidity, economic activity, capital flows and global financial conditions.Recent decisions illustrate this approach. Despite regional and international developments, the CBE held interest rates unchanged at its July and August 2026 meetings, maintaining the overnight deposit rate at 19 per cent and the overnight lending rate at 20 per cent.It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a restrictive monetary stance and an adequately positive real interest rate to support the disinflation process.CBE’s interest-rate decisions in recent years point to a relatively independent monetary policy path compared with those followed by Western and Gulf central banks.This distinction is particularly evident in the Gulf, where most central banks move closely in line with Federal Reserve decisions. The relationship is rooted in the region’s exchange-rate regimes, with Gulf currencies pegged to the US dollar to varying degrees.These arrangements mean that Federal Reserve decisions directly affect the cost of maintaining currency attractiveness and exchange-rate stability, explaining the relatively swift response of Gulf central banks, although the extent of that response varies by country.Egypt, by contrast, operates under a different monetary framework. The Egyptian pound is not fixed to the US dollar, giving the CBE greater flexibility to formulate monetary policy in response to domestic economic conditions, while continuing to account for US monetary policy and global capital movements.This flexibility has been evident throughout Hassan Abdalla’s tenure, during which the CBE has not automatically followed the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decisions. Instead, it has held or adjusted rates according to its assessment of Egypt’s monetary and economic conditions.In Egypt, interest rates remain a key instrument for managing liquidity, containing inflationary pressures and supporting macroeconomic stability. Gulf central banks, meanwhile, face greater constraints on monetary policy independence because of their exchange-rate arrangements.That does not mean Federal Reserve decisions are absent from Egypt’s monetary policy considerations. Higher US interest rates increase the attractiveness of dollar-denominated assets and affect external financing costs.These factors form part of the CBE’s assessment, but within a broader monetary policy framework rather than as decisions that must automatically be replicated.This distinction takes on particular significance ahead of Thursday’s meeting as the CBE assesses the latest inflation figures.Annual urban headline inflation eased to 14.5 per cent in August 2026, from 14.9 per cent in July, while annual core inflation rose to 14.9 per cent from 14.7 per cent over the same period.Although headline inflation remains on a downward trajectory, it continues to exceed the CBE’s target range, reinforcing the case for caution in monetary policy.The CBE previously set an inflation target of 7 per cent, plus or minus two percentage points, for the second half of 2027. The extended target horizon is intended to allow the economy to absorb price shocks without requiring further monetary tightening, while the bank continues to deploy its policy instruments to bring inflation back towards its target.The central question facing the MPC is therefore whether domestic economic indicators provide sufficient room for a new phase of monetary easing, or whether persistent inflationary and financial risks warrant keeping rates unchanged for longer, or even an unexpected increase.Egypt’s narrow money supply (M1) stood at approximately EGP 4.49tn at end-July 2026, compared with EGP 4.49tn at end-June, recording a marginal monthly decline of 0.1 per cent, according to the latest available official data.Money supply therefore remained broadly unchanged in July, while quasi-money increased by 2.2 per cent, pushing total domestic liquidity (M2) up 1.6 per cent during the month.Taken together, the data and preceding analysis point to a potential hold at Thursday’s meeting, particularly as inflation remains relatively elevated against the CBE’s targets and recent money-supply developments suggest limited movement in narrow money.CBE,US Federal Reserve,Gulf central banks,interest rate,MPChttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13398https://en.firstbankeg.com/13398Mahynar MohamedQNB leads Qatar’s strong presence among the 100 largest Arab banksFirst Banks ranking of the 100 largest Arab banks at end-June 2026 revealed a strong Qatari presence, with eigWed, 23 Sep 2026 11:35:32 +02002026-09-23T11:35:32+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedFirst Bank’s ranking of the 100 largest Arab banks at end-June 2026 revealed a strong Qatari presence, with eight banks securing places among the top 100, led by Qatar National Bank (QNB), which ranked first in the Arab world by total assets.The ranking highlights considerable differences in scale across Qatar’s banking sector. While QNB maintains a substantial lead over its nearest domestic competitor, several other Qatari banks have relatively similar asset bases.QNB topped the ranking with total assets of approximately USD 394.72bn at end-June 2026, reinforcing its position as the largest Arab bank and placing it well ahead of its domestic peers.Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) ranked 21st among Arab banks, with assets of around USD 64.24bn at end-June 2026, making it QNB’s nearest Qatari competitor by asset size.The gap between the two stood at approximately USD 330.48bn, highlighting the substantial difference in scale between Qatar’s largest bank and the rest of the sector.QNB’s assets were approximately 6.1 times those of QIB, underscoring its significant weight in Qatar’s banking sector alongside its position as the largest Arab bank in the ranking.Competition was considerably closer among the Qatari banks that followed. Commercial Bank of Qatar ranked 24th among Arab banks, with assets of approximately USD 50.64bn at end-June 2026, around USD 13.6bn behind QIB.AlRayan Bank followed in 25th place, with assets of approximately USD 50.52bn over the same period, leaving only a narrow gap between the two banks.The figures reveal a clear distinction in the structure of Qatar’s banking sector. While QNB holds a substantial lead over QIB, asset gaps narrow considerably among the banks that follow.QIB’s assets exceeded those of Commercial Bank of Qatar by around USD 13.6bn, while just USD 120m separated Commercial Bank of Qatar and AlRayan Bank.Further down the ranking, Dukhan Bank placed 34th, with assets of approximately USD 35.46bn at end-June 2026, followed by Doha Bank in 37th place, with assets of USD 33.62bn, leaving a gap of less than USD 2bn.Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) and Ahlibank completed Qatar’s representation among the top 100. QIIB ranked 56th, with assets of approximately USD 17.52bn, while Ahlibank placed 57th, with assets of around USD 17.15bn, a difference of just USD 370m.Overall, Qatar’s presence in First Bank’s ranking of the 100 largest Arab banks at end-June 2026 reflects QNB’s considerable regional scale alongside a group of banks with relatively similar asset bases.While the eight banks represent different levels of financial scale, QNB maintains a substantial lead over its nearest domestic competitors.QNB,assets,100 largest Arab banks,Qatari banks,Qatar’s banking sectorhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13393https://en.firstbankeg.com/13393Mahynar MohamedThe 1st trillion journey: Five years of QNB Egypt under Mohamed BedeirQNB Egypt entered a new chapter five years ago this month when Mohamed Bedeir took over as Chief Executive OffTue, 22 Sep 2026 15:51:16 +02002026-09-22T15:51:18+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedQNB Egypt entered a new chapter five years ago this month when Mohamed Bedeir took over as Chief Executive Officer, marking the start of a period of accelerated business expansion and a stronger presence across Egypt’s banking market.Over those years, QNB Egypt’s growth extended beyond the expansion of its balance sheet to encompass its various banking activities, supported by a strategy focused on broadening its customer base and expanding lending activity, alongside improving profitability and asset-quality indicators.This reinforced its position as the largest foreign bank operating in the Egyptian market and the second-largest private-sector bank.<h3 data-id="oeg0QH">From EGP 354bn to EGP 1tn: QNB Egypt’s financial position strengthens under Mohamed Bedeir</h3>Financial position expansion was one of the most prominent features of this journey, with QNB Egypt’s assets rising by around 200 per cent over the past five years, an increase of more than EGP 708bn, to reach EGP 1.06tn at end-June 2026, from EGP 354.20bn at end-2021.This growth was supported by a sustained expansion in the deposit base, as the bank succeeded in attracting diverse customer segments and offering savings products tailored to their different needs.Customer deposits rose to EGP 910.37bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 296.24bn at end-2021, representing growth of 207.3 per cent over the past five years and an increase of EGP 614.13bn. Deposits accounted for around 87 per cent of the total increase in the bank’s balance sheet.The corporate segment played a pivotal role in expanding QNB Egypt’s deposit base, as the bank broadened its corporate customer base, strengthened banking relationships with major economic entities and offered advanced banking solutions and products tailored to their different needs.As a result, corporate deposits rose to EGP 576.63bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 171.11bn at end-2021, representing growth of 237 per cent and an increase of EGP 405.52bn over the past five years. Corporate deposits accounted for around 66 per cent of the total increase in customer deposits.The bank also expanded its presence in the retail segment by diversifying the products and banking services offered to individuals.Retail deposits rose by around 166.7 per cent over the same period, an increase of EGP 208.61bn, to reach EGP 333.74bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 125.13bn at end-2021, reflecting the growing contribution of retail customers to the bank’s business expansion.As its funding base expanded, the growth translated directly into greater capacity for QNB Egypt to expand lending activity. The customer loan portfolio rose by around 180.8 per cent over the past five years to EGP 518.91bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 184.79bn at end-2021.Corporate loans remained the main driver of this expansion, supported by the bank’s growing role in financing companies and major projects.The portfolio surged around 187.5 per cent over the period under review to EGP 426.90bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 148.49bn at end-2021, lifting its share of total loans to around 82.3 per cent from 80.4 per cent.At the same time, the bank continued to expand its retail lending, with the retail loan portfolio rising around 153.4 per cent over the past five years to EGP 92.03bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 36.30bn at end-2021, an increase of EGP 55.70bn. This completed a pattern of parallel growth across corporate and retail lending.<h3 data-id="kyKuS2">Asset quality improves markedly alongside credit expansion</h3>QNB Egypt’s expansion was not limited to growth in its loan portfolio, but was accompanied by a marked improvement in asset quality. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declined to 3.93 per cent at end-June 2026, from 5.43 per cent at end-2023, reflecting the bank’s ability to continue expanding credit while maintaining portfolio quality and managing risk.The improvement was supported by a decline in the NPL ratio for the corporate loan portfolio, which accounts for the largest share of total lending, to 4.47 per cent at end-June 2026, from 6.33 per cent at end-2023.Asset quality also improved in the retail loan portfolio, where the NPL ratio fell to 1.43 per cent at end-June 2026, from 1.87 per cent at end-2023. This reflected stronger quality across the bank’s two main loan portfolios alongside the robust growth recorded in lending over the past five years.<h3 data-id="JU8PGJ">From balance-sheet growth to stronger profitability and efficiency</h3>As the asset base expanded and lending activity grew, the key question remains: has QNB Egypt succeeded in translating this expansion in business scale into tangible profit growth and greater efficiency in the use of assets and capital?On profitability, the bank recorded a significant increase in net profit, which rose by around 291 per cent to EGP 29.12bn in 2025, from EGP 7.45bn in 2021.The growth was reflected in efficiency indicators, with Return on Average Assets (ROAA) rising to 3.38 per cent in 2025, from 2.33 per cent in 2021, while Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased to 28.96 per cent from 17.85 per cent over the same period.The strong performance continued into the first half of 2026, with the bank recording net profit of EGP 17.79bn, while ROAA stood at 3.60 per cent and ROAE at 30.33 per cent, reflecting sustained strength in returns alongside the expansion of its asset and capital bases.The five years under Mohamed Bedeir’s leadership have marked a significant transformation in the scale and scope of QNB Egypt’s operations.Growth has extended beyond balance-sheet expansion to encompass the bank’s core business lines, delivering stronger returns on a substantially larger asset and capital base. Together, these achievements mark a significant chapter in the bank’s development within Egypt’s banking sector.Mohamed Bedeir,financial position,QNB Egypt,balance sheet,expansionhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13390https://en.firstbankeg.com/13390First Index: AAIB strengthens profitability, financial soundness in H1 2026Arab African International Banks AAIB strong performance in the first half of 2026 extended beyond profit growMon, 21 Sep 2026 15:36:22 +02002026-09-21T15:36:22+02:00Arab African International Bank’s (AAIB) strong performance in the first half of 2026 extended beyond profit growth, with returns on assets and equity also improving alongside higher earnings per share, reflecting a marked strengthening in profitability during the period.According to the bank’s standalone financial statements, Return on Average Equity (ROAE) rose to 14.08 per cent in the first half of 2026, from 12.09 per cent in the same period of 2025, an increase of 1.99 percentage points, reflecting higher profitability relative to average shareholders’ equity.The improvement also extended to Return on Average Assets (ROAA), which rose to 2.06 per cent in the first half of the year, from 1.75 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025, an increase of around 0.31 percentage points, indicating stronger returns generated from the bank’s average asset base.The improvement in return indicators coincided with a 27 per cent increase in AAIB’s net profit in the first half of 2026 to EGP 10.25bn, from EGP 8.09bn in the same period of 2025, an increase of EGP 2.16bn, further strengthening profitability.Profit growth also translated into higher basic earnings per share, which rose to EGP 90.67 per share during the period from the beginning of January to end-June 2026, from EGP 69.20 in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 31 per cent and an increase of EGP 21.47 per share.The performance reflects a broader profitability base at AAIB during the first half of 2026, supported by stronger returns on equity and assets and higher earnings per share, reinforcing the bank’s financial performance.Alongside its strong profitability indicators, AAIB recorded a notable improvement across its key financial indicators. Total assets rose to EGP 1.04tn at end-June 2026, from EGP 955.24bn at end-2025, representing growth of 9 per cent and an increase of more than EGP 82bn in just six months.Customer deposits also maintained their upward trajectory, rising to EGP 739.98bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 687.08bn at end-2025, representing growth of 8 per cent and an increase of EGP 52.90bn.On the lending side, the bank maintained strong momentum, with customer loans rising 19 per cent to EGP 287.50bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 240.67bn at end-2025.As for financial soundness indicators, the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declined to 1.15 per cent at end-June 2026, from 2.1 per cent at end-2025, marking its lowest level in a decade and placing the bank among the five best banks in the Egyptian market by NPL ratio.The bank’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 18.50 per cent at end-June 2026, exceeding the 12.5 per cent regulatory minimum set by the Central Bank of Egypt under Basel requirements, providing the bank with a strong capital base to support continued growth and absorb potential risks.The leverage ratio also reached 12.54 per cent at end-June 2026, more than three times the minimum regulatory requirement of 3 per cent, reflecting the strength of the bank’s capital base and its ability to support asset growth while maintaining strong solvency levels.AAIB,ROAA,profit growth,ROAE,profitability,financial soundnesshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13387https://en.firstbankeg.com/13387Shimaa NasserNBK-Egypt, ADIB-Egypt and Emirates NBD Egypt lead asset growth in H1 2026The first half of 2026 reshaped the ranking of the fastest-growing banks by assets, with National Bank of KuwaMon, 21 Sep 2026 13:09:54 +02002026-09-21T13:09:54+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedThe first half of 2026 reshaped the ranking of the fastest-growing banks by assets, with National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (NBK-Egypt) rising to first place, followed by Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Egypt (ADIB-Egypt) and Emirates NBD Egypt, as all three recorded asset growth of more than 19 per cent over the six-month period.NBK-Egypt recorded asset growth of 20.21 per cent, with total assets rising to EGP 270.30bn at end-June 2026 from EGP 224.86bn at end-2025, an increase of EGP 45.44bn in six months. The bank consequently climbed from 16th place in the ranking of the fastest-growing banks in 2025 to first in the first half of 2026.This coincided with its advance from 13th place in the 2025 ranking by total assets to 12th in the June 2026 ranking, reflecting an improvement in the bank’s position by scale alongside its rise to the top of the asset-growth ranking in the first half of the year.ADIB-Egypt ranked second among the fastest-growing banks by assets in the first half of 2026, recording growth of 19.67 per cent. Total assets increased to EGP 411.85bn at end-June 2026 from EGP 344.15bn at end-2025, an increase of EGP 67.70bn.The bank retained eighth place in the ranking by total asset size while recording the largest absolute increase in assets among the three banks, meaning its balance sheet expanded during the period without a change in its position by asset size.Emirates NBD Egypt ranked third among the fastest-growing banks by assets in the first half of 2026, with growth of 19.32 per cent.The bank's total assets rose to EGP 247.63bn at end-June 2026 from EGP 207.53bn at end-2025, an increase of EGP 40.10bn, retaining 14th place in the ranking by total assets, with its asset base expanding during the period while its position remained unchanged.The three banks show that strong asset growth did not translate into the same shift in market position.NBK-Egypt’s expansion was enough to lift it in the ranking by total assets while also pushing it to the top of the fastest-growing banks. By contrast, ADIB-Egypt and Emirates NBD Egypt recorded sizeable increases in assets during the first half of 2026 but retained their existing positions in the ranking by total assets.ADIB-Egypt,Growth,total assets,Emirates NBD Egypt,NBK-Egypt,asset growthhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13384https://en.firstbankeg.com/13384Mahynar MohamedTop 10 Arab bank reshuffles as growth gaps reshape the rankingFirst Banks ranking of the 100 largest banks in the Arab world at end-June 2026 showed no change among the topSun, 20 Sep 2026 17:07:43 +02002026-09-20T17:07:43+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedFirst Bank’s ranking of the 100 largest banks in the Arab world at end-June 2026 showed no change among the top 10, even as the order within the group underwent a notable reshuffle.Relatively narrow asset gaps among several of the region’s largest banks, coupled with divergent growth rates in the first half of the year, made the pace of expansion a key determinant of ranking positions.Despite an unchanged top-10 line-up, competition for position intensified in the first half of 2026, with six banks moving in the ranking and four holding their 2025 positions.The most notable shift came at the top, where QNB Group reclaimed first place from First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), supported by 3.7 per cent growth in total assets during the first half of the year. Assets rose to USD 394.72bn at end-June 2026, from USD 380.67bn at end-2025.By contrast, FAB recorded more modest asset growth of just 0.4 per cent, with total assets reaching USD 383.57bn at end-June 2026, compared with USD 382.23bn at end-2025. The slower growth pushed FAB into second place after it had taken the top spot at the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 for the first time in its history.QNB Group’s return to first place does not reflect a fundamental shift in the scale of the two largest Arab banks as much as it highlights the impact of their differing growth rates. Although QNB’s assets exceeded FAB’s by around USD 11.15bn at end-June, the gap remains relatively narrow given the size of both balance sheets, leaving room for FAB to regain the lead if it records stronger growth than its Qatari rival.Emirates NBD climbed to third place from fourth in the 2025 ranking, supported by 13.6 per cent half-year growth in total assets, the fastest pace among the top 10. Assets rose to USD 360.08bn at end-June 2026, from USD 317.04bn at end-2025.The move pushed Saudi National Bank (SNB) down one place to fourth, despite a 2.7 per cent increase in assets to USD 331.28bn at end-June, from USD 322.61bn at end-2025.Positions five through eight were more stable. Al Rajhi Bank retained fifth place, with assets rising by a limited 0.93 per cent in the first half of 2026 to USD 280.73bn at end-June, compared with USD 278.15bn at end-2025.Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) also retained sixth place, with assets increasing by around 7.7 per cent over the same period to USD 226.86bn at end-June 2026, compared with USD 210.64bn at end-2025.National Bank of Egypt (NBE) remained seventh, with total assets of USD 197.98bn at end-June 2026.National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) also retained eighth place, with assets rising around 1.4 per cent in the first half of the year to USD 150.16bn at end-June 2026, compared with USD 148.14bn at end-2025.The final two places in the top 10 also saw changes, with Riyad Bank climbing one place to ninth and Kuwait Finance House (KFH) slipping to 10th.Riyad Bank’s assets rose 2.6 per cent in the first half of 2026 to USD 142.03bn, from USD 138.50bn at end-2025.Kuwait Finance House (KFH), meanwhile, recorded a 1.3 per cent half-year decline in assets to USD 137.11bn at end-June, from USD 138.88bn at end-2025, making the shift between ninth and 10th place a direct reflection of the contrasting direction of asset growth at the two banks.Overall, the top 10 at end-June 2026 remained stable, while the ranking itself saw notable movement. Six banks changed positions, while four retained their places compared with end-2025.This divergence highlights how competition at the top has become increasingly shaped by differences in growth rates, particularly as asset gaps among leading banks narrow.Even modest variations in expansion can therefore be enough to alter ranking positions, underscoring that a stable top-10 line-up does not necessarily translate into a stable order as the gaps between banks continue to shift from one reporting period to the next.QNB,Growth,assets,FAB,top 10,gaphttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13383https://en.firstbankeg.com/13383Yasmin ElsayedCIB climbs two places among Arab world’s 100 largest banks Commercial International Bank Egypt CIB advanced two places in First Banks ranking of the 100 largest banks inSun, 20 Sep 2026 15:33:30 +02002026-09-20T15:33:30+02:00Commercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB) advanced two places in First Bank’s ranking of the 100 largest banks in the Arab world at end-June 2026, climbing to 36th from 38th in 2025, supported by the efforts of Hisham Ezz Al-Arab, Chairman and Board Member, and his team.The advance was supported by strong growth in total assets, which rose to USD 34.24bn at end-June 2026, from USD 30.11bn at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 13.7 per cent.This performance underscores the bank’s growing competitive strength across the Arab region, placing it on an upward trajectory that could support further gains in the ranking if the same pace of performance is sustained.Alongside asset growth, CIB recorded strong performance during the year, with net profit rising to USD 798.60m in the first half of 2026, from USD 673.58m in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 18.6 per cent and an increase of USD 125.02m.Net interest income (NII) rose by around 19.4 per cent to USD 1.23bn in the first half of 2026, compared with USD 1.03bn in the corresponding period of 2025, an increase of around USD 199.67m.Net fee and commission income jumped to USD 117.26m in the first half of 2026, from USD 83.15m in the same period of 2025, representing growth of around 41 per cent.On deposits, the bank’s portfolio increased by around 14.5 per cent during the first half of the year to USD 26.54bn at end-June 2026, from USD 23.17bn at end-2025.Total customer loans rose to USD 12.85bn at end-June 2026, from USD 11.35bn at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 13.2 per cent.CIB,First Bank,total assets,Hisham Ezz Al-Arab,100 largest banks,Arab regionhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13382https://en.firstbankeg.com/13382Ali AdelABK-Egypt scales loans under Khaled El Salawy, cutting NPL to 1.46%Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait Egypt ABK-Egypt has entered a new phase of strategic transformation under Khaled El SalSun, 20 Sep 2026 14:47:31 +02002026-09-20T14:47:33+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedAl Ahli Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (ABK-Egypt) has entered a new phase of strategic transformation under Khaled El Salawy, CEO and Managing Director, with the shift already reflected in stronger financial performance and a more competitive position within Egypt’s banking sector.In this edition of “Decision Makers," we examine the marked expansion of ABK-Egypt’s customer loan portfolio under Khaled El Salawy’s leadership. His strategy has strengthened the bank’s business, broadened its product offering and expanded its customer base, reinforcing its position among the fastest-growing lenders in the Egyptian market.The bank’s team has supported the expansion of the customer loan portfolio through flexible, innovative financing solutions designed to meet a broad range of customer needs, attract new clients and strengthen ABK-Egypt’s competitive position.The bank recorded a major expansion in total customer loans over the past 10 years, with the portfolio posting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 30.1 per cent and increasing by EGP 81.3bn to EGP 88.6bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 7.3bn at end-2016.Growth in the customer loan portfolio was led by a sharp expansion in corporate loans, which recorded a CAGR of 29.6 per cent and increased by EGP 57.2bn over the period, from EGP 5.3bn at end-2016 to EGP 62.5bn at end-June 2026.Corporate loans accounted for around 70.5 per cent of the total increase in customer loans over the past decade.Despite the substantial expansion in lending and the dominant contribution of corporate loans, the bank also strengthened the quality of its loan portfolio. The performing loans accounted for 98.5 per cent, supported by a decline in the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio to 1.46 per cent at end-June 2026, from 5.06 per cent at end-2016.The strong growth in the loan portfolio, alongside the marked decline in non-performing loans, highlights the efficiency of the bank’s management in delivering sustainable growth while maintaining asset quality and managing risk, reinforcing ABK-Egypt’s position as one of the fastest-growing banks in the Egyptian market in recent years.At the same time, the retail loan portfolio maintained strong momentum as the bank expanded lending to individuals, recording a CAGR of 31.3 per cent and increasing by EGP 24.2bn to EGP 26.1bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 1.97bn at end-2016.This performance lifted retail loans’ share of total customer loans to 29.5 per cent at end-June 2026, compared with 27 per cent at end-2016.Overall, the bank recorded exceptional growth rates, with total assets posting a CAGR of 31.1 per cent and increasing by around EGP 181.8bn over the period under review to EGP 196.7bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 15bn at end-2016.The bank’s customer deposit portfolio expanded more than twelvefold, recording a CAGR of 31.1 per cent and increasing by EGP 149.2bn over the period to EGP 161.6bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 12.4bn at end-2016.Shareholders’ equity also recorded a CAGR of 30.7 per cent over the past 10 years, reaching EGP 25.8bn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 2bn at end-2016.ABK-Egypt,Loans,loan portfolio,Khaled El Salawy,non-performing loans (NPL)https://en.firstbankeg.com/13377https://en.firstbankeg.com/13377The Big Numbers Race: SAB, DIB race for a place among the Gulf’s top 10 The Gulf banking landscape has brought Saudi Awwal Bank SAB and Dubai Islamic Bank DIB into direct competitionThu, 17 Sep 2026 10:26:32 +02002026-09-17T12:00:00+02:00The Gulf banking landscape has brought Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) into direct competition, combining substantial financial scale with distinct approaches to financing expansion and return generation. While SAB maintains an advantage in the size of its key financial portfolios, the development of their financial indicators over the past three years points to relatively close growth rates. According to June 2026 data, SAB ranked 10th among Gulf banks, while DIB ranked 11th. Based on the two banks’ consolidated financial statements, SAB’s total assets reached USD 126.28bn at end-June 2026, compared with USD 115.22bn for DIB at the end of the same period. In deposits, SAB’s customer deposits stood at USD 91.07bn at end-June 2026, compared with USD 89.03bn at DIB, reflecting a much narrower gap between the two banks’ deposit bases. As for financing portfolios, SAB’s net loans reached USD 85.22bn at end-June 2026, compared with USD 76.51bn at DIB. Despite SAB’s lead in absolute size, a dynamic comparison reveals relatively close growth rates between the two banks over the past three years, specifically from end-2023 to end-June 2026. Asset growth: DIB edges ahead as gap widens DIB recorded total asset growth of 34.6 per cent over the period, compared with 32.8 per cent for SAB, giving DIB a modest lead in the pace of asset growth over the past three years. Even so, the gap between the two banks widened to USD 11.06bn at end-June 2026, from USD 9.52bn at end-2023. This indicates that the relatively close growth rates were not sufficient to narrow the existing difference in scale, with the absolute gap instead widening in SAB’s favour. Deposits: DIB narrows the gap In deposits, DIB recorded total growth of around 47.2 per cent over the past three years, compared with 41.7 per cent for SAB, giving DIB the stronger growth rate in its deposit base. This performance helped narrow the gap between the two banks to USD 2.04bn at end-June 2026, from USD 3.78bn at end-2023, bringing them considerably closer in terms of deposit size than at the start of the comparison period. Financing: gap widens in SAB’s favour On the financing side, SAB recorded growth of around 48 per cent over the past three years, compared with 40.9 per cent for DIB. With SAB posting the stronger financing growth rate, the gap between the two banks widened to USD 8.72bn at end-June 2026, from USD 3.27bn at end-2023, reflecting differing trajectories in the development of their financing businesses over the comparison period. Profitability: SAB leads in profit and return on average assets On profitability, SAB recorded net profit of around USD 1.14bn in the first half of 2025, with a Return on Average Assets (ROAA) of 1.90 per cent and a Return on Average Equity (ROAE) of 11.02 per cent over the same period. By comparison, DIB recorded a net profit of USD 1.02bn in the first half of 2025, with a ROAA of 1.78 per cent and a ROAE of 13.96 per cent over the same period. These indicators reveal differences in the profitability profiles of the two banks. SAB leads in net profit and ROAA, while DIB records a higher ROAE, highlighting differences in the relationship between asset scale, profitability, and their respective equity bases. Capital base: clear advantage for SAB In terms of capital base, SAB’s share capital stood at USD 5.47bn at end-June 2026, compared with USD 1.97bn for DIB at the end of the same period. The difference highlights the substantially larger capital base at SAB compared with DIB, adding another dimension to the comparison between the two banks. The comparison highlights a multidimensional contest between the two banks. Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) retains the advantage in the scale of its key financial portfolios, net profit, and ROAA, while DIB has delivered stronger asset and deposit growth over the past three years and a higher ROAE. Their financing portfolios, meanwhile, have followed increasingly divergent growth paths. The next phase of the competition will therefore hinge not simply on preserving current rankings, but on each bank’s ability to translate growth into sustained expansion and stronger profitability. Shifting balance-sheet gaps, efficiency metrics and returns are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the Gulf banking race. Gulf banks,SAB,DIB,financial portfolios,financing expansionhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13373https://en.firstbankeg.com/13373Shimaa NasserAl Baraka Bank Egypt climbs 4 places among Egypt’s largest banks by financing portfolioAl Baraka Bank Egypt strengthened its standing in Egypts financing market, climbing 20th place at end-2021 to Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:03:04 +02002026-09-16T13:03:04+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedAl Baraka Bank Egypt strengthened its standing in Egypt’s financing market, climbing from 20th place at end-2021 to 16th at end-June 2026.The advance came alongside a sharp expansion in its financing portfolio, which rose from EGP 24.26bn to EGP 83.13bn over the period, an increase of EGP 58.87bn, or 242.7 per cent.By June 2026, the portfolio had expanded to around 3.4 times its end-2021 level. Yet the growth was uneven across its components. Corporate financing remained the largest segment by value, while retail financing grew at a significantly faster pace, materially reshaping the portfolio mix.Corporate financing increased from EGP 21.78bn at end-2021 to EGP 63.18bn at end-June 2026, representing growth of 190.1 per cent and taking the portfolio to around 2.9 times its previous level.It contributed EGP 41.4bn to the overall increase, accounting for around 70 per cent of total portfolio growth. Despite this, its share of total financing fell from 89.8 per cent to around 76 per cent over the period, reflecting the stronger expansion in retail financing.Retail financing, meanwhile, surged from EGP 2.48bn at end-2021 to EGP 19.94bn at end-June 2026, an increase of EGP 17.46bn, or 703.7 per cent.The portfolio expanded to around eight times its end-2021 level, lifting its share of total financing from around 10.2 per cent to nearly 24 per cent. This shifted retail financing from a relatively limited component into a far more influential part of the portfolio structure.The reshaping of the financing portfolio was accompanied by a sharp increase in its weight within the bank’s total assets.The financing-to-assets ratio rose from 29.5 per cent at end-2021 to 54.83 per cent at end-June 2026, meaning financing moved from accounting for less than one-third of total assets to more than half.The figures reveal a clear divergence between growth momentum and absolute contribution. Retail financing expanded at more than three times the pace of corporate financing, yet corporate financing still accounted for the larger share of the increase in value terms, reflecting its substantially higher starting base.Even so, the sharp acceleration in retail financing was sufficient to materially increase its weight within the overall portfolio.Al Baraka Bank Egypt’s rise in the ranking by financing portfolio size therefore reflects more than a significant expansion in financing activity.It also points to a notable rebalancing of the portfolio, with corporate financing remaining the dominant component while retail financing assumes a much greater role, resulting in a broader and more diversified financing mix.Al Baraka Bank Egypt,financing market,Retail financing,corporate financing,largest banks,financing portfoliohttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13372https://en.firstbankeg.com/13372First Advice: Al Rajhi leads Arab banks by profit for 2nd straight ranking Al Rajhi Bank reshaped the race for the top spot among the most profitable Arab banks after topping First BankWed, 16 Sep 2026 12:18:53 +02002026-09-16T12:18:53+02:00Al Rajhi Bank reshaped the race for the top spot among the most profitable Arab banks after topping First Bank’s ranking for the first time in its history in the first quarter of 2026, with a net profit of around USD 1.80bn.  The bank jumped from third place in the 2025 ranking to first, replacing Emirates NBD at the top of the list. Al Rajhi Bank continued to strengthen its lead, retaining the top spot in First Bank’s ranking of Arab banks by net profit in the first half of 2026. Its net profit rose 14 per cent year on year to around USD 3.67bn, compared with USD 3.22bn in the first half of 2025, consolidating its position at the top of the ranking of the most profitable Arab banks. As for the pace of profit growth at its nearest competitor, second-ranked Emirates NBD recorded a much more modest increase of around 2.6 per cent in net profit during the first half of 2026, reaching USD 3.50bn, compared with USD 3.41bn in the corresponding period of 2025. The shift at the top of the profit ranking was driven not only by Al Rajhi Bank’s stronger earnings but also by the widening gap in profit growth between the two banks.  While Al Rajhi posted robust growth, Emirates NBD’s more moderate pace allowed Al Rajhi to widen its lead and strengthen its position at the top of the ranking. The gap between the two banks’ profits stood at around USD 170mn in the first half of 2026, compared with around USD 190mn in favour of Emirates NBD in the corresponding period of 2025, reflecting a clear shift in the balance of power among the region’s most profitable banks. Meanwhile, Saudi National Bank (SNB) remains close to the battle for the top spot after ranking third with a net profit of around USD 3.47bn in the first half of 2026, recording year-on-year growth of 7.2 per cent. Despite Emirates NBD retaining second place, SNB’s stronger profit growth rate opens the door to the possibility of overtaking it in the coming periods, particularly if it maintains its current growth pace. This could push the bank into second place and place the top positions in the ranking of the most profitable Arab banks under the control of Saudi banks. Al Rajhi Bank’s rise to the top therefore matters not only because it claimed first place for the first time in its history, but also because it raises the prospect of a new landscape emerging at the top of Arab banking profitability. With Al Rajhi maintaining stronger profit growth and SNB closing in on Emirates NBD, competition for the leading positions could intensify with the release of third-quarter and year-end results.  That could pave the way for Saudi banks to further strengthen their presence at the top of the ranking of the most profitable Arab banks in September and December 2026.  net profit,First Bank,Growth,Emirates NBD,Ranking,Al Rajhi Bank,most profitable Arab banks,Saudi National Bank (SNB)https://en.firstbankeg.com/13368https://en.firstbankeg.com/13368Ali AdelABK-Egypt climbs 5 places among Egypt’s largest banks on 3 years of sustained growthAl Ahli Bank of Kuwait Egypt ABK-Egypt has strengthened its position in Egypts banking market in recent years,Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:14:41 +02002026-09-15T15:14:41+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedAl Ahli Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (ABK-Egypt) has strengthened its position in Egypt’s banking market in recent years, supported by robust growth in total assets and a marked improvement in overall performance.The performance reflects the bank’s strategy to reinforce its financial position, expand its customer base, and deepen confidence in its banking services.The bank recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.4 per cent in total assets over the past three and a half years, with its balance sheet expanding to around EGP 196.7bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 75.6bn at end-2022.This performance was reflected in the bank’s ranking among banks operating in Egypt, as it advanced five places among the country’s largest banks by total assets, rising from 24th at end-2022 to 19th at end-June 2026.The improvement reflects the bank’s ability to achieve accelerated growth rates, support its expansion, and strengthen its presence in the banking market.Looking at the structure of the bank’s asset funding over the period, customer deposits accounted for around 78.8 per cent of total assets.The deposit portfolio recorded a CAGR of 29.1 per cent over the past three and a half years, rising to EGP 161.6bn at end-June 2026 from EGP 66.2bn at end-2022.Alongside customer deposits, shareholders’ equity contributed around 16.2 per cent to funding the bank’s assets, after recording a CAGR of 50.2 per cent over the past three and a half years. Shareholders’ equity rose to around EGP 25.8bn at end-June 2026 from EGP 6.2bn at end-2022.This performance underscores ABK-Egypt’s ability to maintain strong and sustainable growth rates that extended beyond the expansion of total assets and their components to its competitive position among banks operating in Egypt.The bank’s five-place rise over the period analysed demonstrates its success in achieving growth rates that outpaced many peers, helping narrow the gap with higher-ranked banks and strengthen its position among the country’s largest banks by total assets.Against this backdrop, ABK-Egypt ranked among the fastest-growing banks operating in Egypt by total assets over the past three years, specifically between 2022 and 2025, according to First Bank’s rankings. The full ranking is available <a href="https://en.firstbankeg.com/13367" rel="noopener" target="_new">here</a>.The continued growth in assets also reflects the expansion of the bank’s operations and customer base, strengthening its prospects for further advancement among Egypt’s largest banks.This comes as part of a strategy aimed at achieving balanced growth by reinforcing the bank’s financial strength, expanding its customer base and enhancing its ability to meet the needs of different market segments.ABK-Egypt,Growth,assets,financial position,three yearshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13365https://en.firstbankeg.com/13365Shimaa NasserFrom acquisition to expansion: KFH–Egypt reshapes growthKuwait Finance Houses KFH acquisition of Ahli United Bank Group in September 2022 marked a turning point for AMon, 14 Sep 2026 13:14:04 +02002026-09-14T13:14:04+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedKuwait Finance House’s (KFH) acquisition of Ahli United Bank Group in September 2022 marked a turning point for Ahli United Bank – Egypt.The bank subsequently adopted a Sharia-compliant banking model in September 2024 and was officially renamed Kuwait Finance House – Egypt (KFH–Egypt) in January 2025.Between end-2022 and June 2026, the bank underwent more than a change in ownership and identity, as its balance sheet expanded, the weight of its customer segments shifted, and the relationship between the resources it mobilises and the uses to which they are deployed was reshaped.The comparison between the bank’s position at end-2022 and June 2026 shows a transformation that went beyond doubling the size of its balance sheet. Total assets rose 117.4 per cent to EGP 185.90bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 85.49bn at end-2022.Deposits grew at a faster pace, surging 162.6 per cent to EGP 149.93bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 57.09bn at end-2022. Corporate deposits rose 136.2 per cent to EGP 101.68bn from EGP 43.06bn, while retail deposits jumped 243.9 per cent to EGP 48.25bn from EGP 14.03bn. As a result, retail’s share of total deposits increased to 32.2 per cent from 24.6 per cent.Financing increased 124.9 per cent to EGP 120.31bn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 53.50bn at end-2022. Corporate financing rose 110.1 per cent to EGP 105.88bn from EGP 50.39bn, while retail financing surged 364.8 per cent to EGP 14.43bn from EGP 3.10bn. This lifted retail financing’s share of total financing to 12 per cent from 5.8 per cent.The data reveal a more nuanced pattern of growth. Individual customers emerged as the bank’s fastest-growing segment, but not its centre of gravity. Corporates still account for around 68 per cent of deposits and 88 per cent of financing, underlining their enduring role as the bank’s core business base.The shift is significant because it is evident on both sides of the balance sheet. The bank not only attracted individual deposits at a rapid pace but also expanded financing to this segment even faster. This points to a gradual deepening of its retail franchise, rather than an isolated increase in balances on either side of the balance sheet.The loan-to-deposit ratio declined to around 80.2 per cent in June 2026 from 93.7 per cent at end-2022. Over the period, the bank added EGP 92.84bn to customer deposits, compared with EGP 66.82bn in financing. Although the financing portfolio more than doubled, deposits expanded faster, providing greater scope to manage liquidity and allocate it across different uses.Financial investments reinforce this reading, rising 109.6 per cent to EGP 35.56bn at end-June 2026 from EGP 16.97bn at end-2022. The increase in resources was not absorbed by financing alone but also flowed into other asset classes.The comparison therefore points to a different challenge: no longer simply expanding the resource base, but deploying it more efficiently to generate productive assets.Shareholders’ equity expanded alongside the bank’s business, rising 121.2 per cent to EGP 23.28bn at end-June 2026 from EGP 10.52bn at end-2022. Its share of total assets remained broadly unchanged, representing around 12.3 per cent at end-2022 and 12.5 per cent at end-June 2026.This frames the next phase of the bank’s development. The post-acquisition years demonstrated its capacity to expand the balance sheet, strengthen its resource base, and increase the contribution of retail customers, while preserving corporates as a core pillar.The decline in the loan-to-deposit ratio, however, shifts the question for the period ahead: not how much further the bank can grow, but how effectively it can convert the growth already achieved into higher productivity.The expansion extended beyond the balance sheet to the bank’s earnings capacity. Net profit more than doubled over the period, rising 103.5 per cent to EGP 4.08bn in 2025 from EGP 2.01bn in 2022.The improvement was underpinned by growth across the bank’s core income streams. Net interest income surged 152.0 per cent to EGP 7.64bn in 2025 from EGP 3.03bn in 2022, while net fees and commission income increased 71.4 per cent to EGP 849.5m from EGP 495.6m.Net interest income remained the principal driver of the bank’s income growth over the period.<h3 data-id="krEIl9">Growth productivity test</h3>Overall, the comparison shows that the acquisition was followed by a gradual reconfiguration of the bank’s business profile, rather than simply an expansion in scale. The bank's resource base grew faster than financing, the retail segment gained greater prominence and delivered faster growth, while corporates retained their position as the foundation of the bank’s business.The bank has therefore established a broader and more diversified platform for growth without diluting its corporate focus.The next phase will test KFH–Egypt's ability to raise the productivity of that growth by deploying its resources more efficiently, turning its retail expansion into sustainable business and preserving the strength of its corporate portfolio.The post-acquisition period laid a wider foundation for growth. The next phase will determine the bank’s ability to translate that foundation into a sustainable competitive advantage.Growth,KFH,Ahli United Bank Group,acquisition,KFH–Egypthttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13362https://en.firstbankeg.com/13362Shimaa NasserCorporates drive over three-quarters of ADIB-Egypt’s deposit, financing growthThe corporate segment at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt ADIB-Egypt has evolved beyond its position as the largesSun, 13 Sep 2026 16:23:49 +02002026-09-13T16:23:49+02:00Edited & Translated by Aya ElsayedThe corporate segment at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Egypt (ADIB-Egypt) has evolved beyond its position as the largest component of the financing portfolio to become a key driver of the bank’s expansion.In the first half of 2026, the corporate segment drove most of the increase in both deposits and financing, while expanding its share of the bank’s asset base. Its growth outpaced the bank overall on both fronts, reinforcing its influence on the balance-sheet composition.Corporate deposits rose from EGP 143.29bn at end-2025 to EGP 184.13bn at end-June 2026, an increase of EGP 40.84bn, or 28.5 per cent. Corporate financing increased from EGP 105.60bn to EGP 139.20bn over the same period, a rise of EGP 33.60bn, or 31.8 per cent.By comparison, the bank’s total deposits rose 19.5 per cent to EGP 332.09bn, while total financing increased 28 per cent to EGP 197.92bn at end-June 2026. The corporate segment therefore outpaced the bank’s overall growth in both financing and deposits.The significance of this expansion becomes clearer when measuring the corporate segment’s contribution to the increase, rather than focusing solely on the size of its balances. The bank’s total deposits increased by EGP 54.23bn over the period, with corporate deposits accounting for EGP 40.84bn, or 75.3 per cent of the increase.On the financing side, the overall increase amounted to EGP 43.25bn, with corporate financing contributing EGP 33.60bn, or 77.7 per cent. These shares confirm that the corporate segment was the largest driver of new business growth at the bank in H1 2026, rather than merely the segment retaining the largest share of existing balances.This growth was reflected in the balance-sheet composition, as corporate financing’s share of total customer financing rose to 70.3 per cent at end-June 2026, from 68.3 per cent at end-2025.Corporate financing as a share of the bank’s assets also increased to 33.6 per cent from 30.5 per cent over the period. With corporate financing growing 31.8 per cent, compared with 19.5 per cent growth in assets, the relative weight of corporate activity within the balance sheet increased faster than the asset base itself expanded.This shift was not limited to financing. Corporate deposits rose 28.5 per cent over the period, compared with 19.5 per cent growth in the bank’s total deposits, also increasing the segment’s weight within the deposit base.The corporate segment therefore grew faster than the bank across both deposits and financing, while simultaneously increasing its share of the financing portfolio and asset structure.This marks a significant shift in ADIB-Egypt’s growth profile in H1 2026. Already the largest component of the financing portfolio, the corporate segment has become the leading contributor to growth, expanding faster than the bank overall and increasing its share of deposits, financing and assets.The segment is therefore central to assessing the bank’s H1 2026 performance and the changing composition of its balance sheet.Three indicators underpin its growing importance: expansion above the bank’s overall pace, a contribution exceeding three-quarters of the increase in both deposits and financing, and a larger share of financing and assets.ADIB-Egypt,deposits,corporates,Financing,expansionhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13360https://en.firstbankeg.com/13360Saib under Afdal Naguib: retail leads loan growth, corporates anchor the portfolioSociété Arabe Internationale de Banque saib has significantly expanded its customer loan portfolio since AfdalSun, 13 Sep 2026 14:16:18 +02002026-09-13T14:16:18+02:00Société Arabe Internationale de Banque (saib) has significantly expanded its customer loan portfolio since Afdal Naguib took over its executive leadership in November 2023.This edition of Decision Makers examines Naguib’s role and the impact of his strategy on customer loans, which rose 88.8 per cent over the past two and a half years. The portfolio increased by the equivalent of EGP 41.05bn to the equivalent of EGP 87.30bn at end-June 2026, from the equivalent of EGP 46.25bn at end-2023.The increase in total customer loans was supported by substantial growth in retail loans, which surged 145.6 per cent to EGP 31.09bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 12.66bn at end-2023, an increase of EGP 18.43bn.This expansion lifted retail loans’ share of the bank’s total lending to 35.6 per cent at end-June 2026, from 27.4 per cent at end-2023.Personal loans drove the strong growth in retail lending, accounting for 91.35 per cent of the increase over the period under review. The personal loan portfolio grew 164 per cent over the past two and a half years to EGP 27.11bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 10.27bn at end-2023, an increase of EGP 16.84bn.Corporate loans accounted for 64.4 per cent of total customer loans at end-June 2026. The portfolio grew 67.3 per cent over the period under review, increasing by EGP 22.62bn to EGP 56.21bn, from EGP 33.59bn at end-2023.Overdrafts were the largest contributor to corporate loan growth, accounting for 35.48 per cent of the increase over the period under review. The overdraft portfolio reached EGP 19.82bn at end-June 2026, up from EGP 11.80bn at end-2023, representing growth of 68 per cent over the past two and a half years.The bank also expanded its syndicated lending, with syndicated loans reaching EGP 21.34bn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 13.89bn at end-2023, accounting for 37.97 per cent of its corporate loan portfolio.Retail loans grew faster than corporate loans over the period under review, reflecting a shift in the loan mix towards individuals, while corporate loans remained the largest component of total lending.Overall, Naguib’s efforts delivered strong growth across the bank’s financial indicators during his leadership. Total assets rose 62.1 per cent over the past two and a half years to EGP 174.73bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 107.81bn at end-2023.Total customer deposits reached EGP 147.05bn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 85.29bn at end-2023, an increase of 72.4 per cent over the period under review.Total equity reached EGP 19.4bn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 12.36bn at end-2023, representing growth of 57.2 per cent over the period under review.saib,Growth,customer loans,customer loan portfolio,Afdal Naguibhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13356https://en.firstbankeg.com/13356The Big Numbers Race: Al Rajhi vs ADCB in a Saudi-UAE battle for MENA’s top fiveThe competitive landscape among the Middle East and North Africas MENA largest banks continues to shift as groThu, 10 Sep 2026 12:19:13 +02002026-09-10T12:19:13+02:00The competitive landscape among the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) largest banks continues to shift as growth rates diverge, reshaping the race for leading positions from one period to the next.In the latest move, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) climbed to sixth place by total assets at end-June 2026 after overtaking Ziraat Bankası.With ADCB moving into sixth place, fifth-ranked Al Rajhi Bank became its closest competitor in the ranking, opening a new front in the competition between the two banks, particularly given the differences in their scale of operations and growth rates.June 2026 data show Al Rajhi Bank maintaining a clear advantage in scale, with total assets reaching USD 280.73bn at end-June 2026, compared with USD 226.86bn for ADCB.This advantage also extends to the deposit base, which stood at USD 183.21bn for Al Rajhi Bank, compared with USD 143.39bn for ADCB at end-June 2026, reflecting Al Rajhi’s broader funding base relative to the UAE bank.In lending, the gap widens further in favour of Al Rajhi Bank, with net loans to customers reaching USD 202.84bn at end-June 2026, compared with USD 121.05bn for ADCB at the end of the same period.When the focus shifts from current scale to the three-year growth trajectory, from 2023 to June 2026, the picture changes. ADCB grew faster across the main indicators, with total assets rising 46.9 per cent, compared with 30.3 per cent for Al Rajhi Bank.This narrowed the gap between the two from USD 61.07bn in 2023 to USD 53.87bn at end-June 2026.ADCB also outpaced Al Rajhi Bank in deposit growth, with deposits rising 45.1 per cent over the period, compared with 19.9 per cent for Al Rajhi Bank over the past three years.This narrowed the gap between them from USD 54.02bn in 2023 to USD 39.82bn at end-June 2026. This reflects ADCB’s ability to expand its funding base at a faster pace, bringing it closer to Al Rajhi Bank on this measure.Yet faster growth did not narrow the lending gap. Although ADCB’s net loans rose 47.2 per cent over the past three years, compared with 28 per cent for Al Rajhi Bank, the gap widened from USD 76.23bn in 2023 to USD 81.78bn at end-June 2026.This indicates that Al Rajhi Bank’s larger lending base remained a decisive factor in maintaining the wider gap despite the UAE bank’s faster growth.When the focus shifts from business scale to profitability, the advantage returns clearly to Al Rajhi Bank, which recorded net profit of USD 3.67bn in the first half of 2026, compared with USD 1.83bn for ADCB during the same period.Al Rajhi Bank also recorded a return on assets of 2.63 per cent, compared with 1.68 per cent for the UAE bank, while return on equity stood at 18.65 per cent, compared with 15.14 per cent in the first half of 2026, reflecting the Saudi bank’s stronger profitability and return indicators.Al Rajhi Bank’s advantage is also evident in its capital base, which reached USD 15.97bn at end-June 2026, compared with around USD 2.15bn for ADCB, giving the Saudi bank a broader capital base that corresponds with the current scale of its operations and supports its ability to absorb further expansion.The competition between the two banks has therefore entered a new phase. Al Rajhi Bank continues to hold a clear lead in the size of its main financial portfolios, alongside stronger profitability and a larger capital base, while ADCB has built stronger growth momentum, enabling it to overtake Ziraat Bankası and climb to sixth place.The question now is whether ADCB can sustain that momentum and close the gap with Al Rajhi Bank to challenge for fifth place, or whether the Saudi bank will retain its position. The next phase of competition will provide the answer.ADCB,assets,MENA,competition,Al Rajhi Bankhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13355https://en.firstbankeg.com/13355First Index: Customer deposits drive 90% of EBank’s asset growth in H1 2026Export Development Bank of Egypt EBanks total assets increased by 8 per cent during the first half of the yearThu, 10 Sep 2026 12:02:37 +02002026-09-10T12:02:37+02:00Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank)’s total assets increased by 8 per cent during the first half of the year to EGP 223.45bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 206.93bn at end-2025, an increase of EGP 16.52bn, according to the bank's financial statements .The increase in total assets was driven by higher customer deposits, which represented the main source of funding for the bank’s balance sheet during H1 2026. Customer deposits increased by EGP 14.86bn, accounting for around 90 per cent of the increase in the bank’s assets during the first half of the year.Customer deposits rose 10.2 per cent during the first half of 2026 to EGP 160.62bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 145.76bn at end-2025.This growth increased the share of the bank’s total assets funded by customer deposits to 71.88 per cent at end-June 2026, compared with 70.44 per cent at end-2025.Meanwhile, the share of total assets funded by shareholders’ equity edged up to 12.04 per cent at end-June, from 11.63 per cent at end-2025.Shareholders’ equity reached around EGP 26.9bn at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 24.07bn at end-2025, growing 11.8 per cent during H1 2026.As for amounts due to banks, their share of the bank’s asset funding declined to 13.91 per cent at end-June 2026, from 15.37 per cent at end-2025, after the balance reached EGP 31.08bn at end-June.Overall, Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank) delivered a strong performance during the year, with net profit rising to EGP 3.75bn in the first half of 2026, from EGP 2.61bn in the corresponding period of 2025, representing growth of 43.9 per cent.Net interest income increased to EGP 5.26bn in the first half of 2026, from EGP 4.73bn in the same period of 2025, recording growth of 10.5 per cent.Net income from fees and commissions also rose by around 1.1 per cent to EGP 767.01m in the first half of 2026, from EGP 758.68m in the same period of 2025.Loans and advances to customers increased by 12.2 per cent during the first half of the year to EGP 97.33bn at end-June 2026, from EGP 86.75bn at end-2025, an increase of EGP 10.58bn.Ebank,total assets,financial statements,Customer Depositshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13350https://en.firstbankeg.com/13350Shimaa NasserEight years of expansion reshape ADIB–Egypt under Mohamed AlyAbu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt ADIB Egypt underwent a significant transformation during Mohamed Alys tenure, expWed, 09 Sep 2026 12:10:23 +02002026-09-09T12:10:25+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedAbu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Egypt (ADIB Egypt) underwent a significant transformation during Mohamed Aly’s tenure, expanding from a relatively limited banking base into one of the leading players in Egypt’s Islamic banking market.This transformation went beyond balance-sheet expansion, reshaping the business mix as corporates took on a larger role in both financing and deposits, while the bank strengthened its ability to generate higher returns from an expanded asset and equity base.The period under review shows a broad-based growth trajectory, combining greater scale with a clear shift in the business mix and stronger profitability indicators. ADIB–Egypt’s transformation over the period was therefore not defined by becoming larger in scale alone, but also by its growing ability to translate that expansion into stronger returns.<h3 data-id="zImxpt">ADIB–Egypt scales up from EGP 37bn to EGP 414bn</h3>The bank’s assets rose from EGP 37.42bn at end-2017 to EGP 414.30bn at end-June 2026, growing 1,007 per cent, while deposits increased from EGP 29.83bn to EGP 332.09bn over the same period, up 1,013 per cent, according to the consolidated financial statements.Financing also increased from EGP 20.65bn at end-2017 to EGP 197.92bn at end-June 2026, growing 858 per cent, while financial investments surged from EGP 14.78bn to EGP 119.44bn over the same period, up 707 per cent.These movements reflect simultaneous expansion in both funding and deployment. During Mohamed Aly’s tenure, the bank significantly broadened its business base and strengthened its market position, becoming Egypt’s largest Islamic bank and one of the 10 largest banks operating in the country.This transformation went beyond balance-sheet growth, supported by a broader deposit base and continued expansion in financing and financial investments, further strengthening ADIB–Egypt’s position within the Egyptian banking sector.<h3 data-id="o5v5XR">Corporates reshape ADIB–Egypt as deposits outpace financing</h3>The shift in the business model is clearer when comparing corporate and retail activity. Corporate financing rose from EGP 11.86bn at end-2017 to EGP 139.20bn at end-June 2026, up 1,073 per cent, while retail financing increased from EGP 8.78bn to EGP 58.72bn over the same period, growing 568 per cent.As a result, corporates’ share of total financing increased from around 57.5 per cent to 70.3 per cent over the period under review.On the funding side, the shift was even greater, as corporate deposits surged from EGP 9.37bn at end-2017 to EGP 184.13bn at end-June 2026, growing 1,864 per cent, while retail deposits increased from EGP 20.46bn to EGP 147.96bn over the same period, up 623 per cent.As a result, corporates’ share of total deposits rose from around 31.4 per cent to 55.4 per cent.More significantly, corporate deposits grew at a much faster pace than corporate financing, approaching 20 times their end-2017 level, compared with financing rising more than 11-fold.This reflects an expansion in the funding base at a pace exceeding the growth in deployment, giving the bank greater room to manage liquidity and allocate its resources between financing and financial investments.<h3 data-id="Yjop1y">From scale to returns: profitability underscores the quality of expansion</h3>The bank’s expansion was accompanied by a marked improvement in profitability. Net profit rose from EGP 631.6m in 2017 to EGP 12.60bn in 2025, while Return on Average Assets (ROAA) increased from 1.79 per cent to 4.15 per cent and Return on Average Equity (ROAE) climbed from 32.24 per cent to 43.74 per cent.This increase does not merely reflect balance-sheet expansion, but also points to an improvement in the bank’s ability to generate returns. The return generated from its asset base increased, alongside improved efficiency in deploying shareholders’ equity to generate profits.The growth in equity further supports this trajectory. Equity rose from EGP 2.29bn at end-2017 to EGP 34.63bn at end-2025, before reaching EGP 43.61bn at end-June 2026, while the bank maintained a high ROAE. This points to expansion accompanied by stronger efficiency and profitability indicators.<h3 data-id="rnfxOi">Net interest income drives ADIB–Egypt’s 2026 profit growth</h3>The bank maintained profit growth in the first half of 2026, with net profit rising 21.1 per cent to EGP 7.55bn, from EGP 6.23bn in the corresponding period of 2025, an increase of EGP 1.32bn.The increase was driven primarily by stronger core banking income. Net income from funds rose 28.2 per cent to EGP 12.25bn, from EGP 9.56bn a year earlier, adding EGP 2.69bn and emerging as the main driver of profit growth during the period.Profit growth in 2026 was driven primarily by higher net interest income, while an improvement in the cost of risk provided additional support to the bottom line. With ROAA at 4.0 per cent and ROAE at 38.6 per cent in the first half of the year, the bank maintained strong return levels despite the continued expansion of its asset and equity base.Looking across Mohamed Aly’s tenure, ADIB–Egypt’s transformation was defined not by scale alone, but by a clear shift in the nature of its growth. The bank expanded its assets, funding and financing base, while corporates took on a larger share of both financing and deposits. At the same time, ROAA and ROAE improved.The figures therefore point to a bank that has become larger, more corporate-focused and more effective at converting the expansion of its business base into stronger profitability and returns.ADIB Egypt,Mohamed Aly,Islamic banking market,expansionhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13349https://en.firstbankeg.com/13349First Bank tracks MENA’s top 20 banks, QNB Group leadsThe 20 largest banks in the Middle East and North Africa MENA retained their positions at end-June 2026, althoTue, 08 Sep 2026 14:18:07 +02002026-09-08T14:18:07+02:00The 20 largest banks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) retained their positions at end-June 2026, although several banks shifted positions as relatively close asset levels made modest differences in growth enough to reshape the ranking.H1 2026 data show that competition at the top of the MENA banking sector has become more sensitive, with QNB Group reclaiming first place after its assets rose by around 3.7 per cent to USD 394.72 billion at end-June, from USD 380.67 billion at end-2025.QNB Group’s return to the top came at the expense of First Abu Dhabi Bank, which slipped to second place.First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) recorded a more moderate 0.4 per cent increase in assets over the same period, reaching USD 383.57 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 382.23 billion at end-2025.The growth was not enough to retain first place given the faster expansion of its rival.Emirates NBD recorded the fastest growth rate among the top 20, with its assets rising 13.6 per cent in the first six months of 2026 to USD 360.08 billion at end-June, from USD 317.04 billion at end-2025, pushing the bank up from fourth to third place.As a result, Saudi National Bank (SNB) slipped to fourth place at end-June 2026 from third at end-2025, despite recording asset growth of around 2.7 per cent over the same period to USD 331.28 billion, from USD 322.61 billion. However, its growth rate was lower than that recorded by Emirates NBD.Al Rajhi Bank remained fifth, with assets of USD 280.73 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 278.15 billion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 0.93 per cent.Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) rose to sixth place at end-June, from seventh at end-2025, supported by a 7.7 per cent half-year increase in assets to USD 226.86 billion, compared with USD 210.64 billion.Ziraat Bankası slipped one place to seventh after its assets edged down 0.1 per cent in H1 2026 to USD 216.48 billion at end-June, from USD 216.66 billion at end-2025.National Bank of Egypt (NBE) remained eighth, with assets of USD 197.98 billion at end-June 2026.National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) retained ninth place, with assets reaching USD 150.16 billion at end-June, compared with USD 148.14 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 1.4 per cent in the first half of this year.Riyad Bank entered the Middle East and North Africa’s top 10, rising to tenth place at end-June from eleventh at end-2025, after its assets increased by around 2.6 per cent on a half-year basis to USD 142.03 billion, from USD 138.50 billion.Kuwait Finance House (KFH) slipped one place to eleventh at end-June 2026 from tenth at end-2025, after its assets fell by around 1.3 per cent on a half-year basis to USD 137.11 billion, from USD 138.88 billion.From twelfth to twentieth place, the ranking showed greater stability, with changes limited to two banks swapping positions, while the remaining banks held their rankings unchanged.Türkiye İş Bankası rose to twelfth place at end-June 2026 from thirteenth at end-2025, supported by a 2.7 per cent half-year increase in assets to USD 128.87 billion, from USD 125.45 billion.VakıfBank slipped to thirteenth place from twelfth after its assets declined by around 0.3 per cent on a half-year basis to USD 127.43 billion at end-June 2026, from USD 127.87 billion at end-2025.Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) remained fourteenth, with assets reaching around USD 126.28 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 121.16 billion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 4.2 per cent.Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) retained fifteenth place, with assets reaching around USD 115.22 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 113.25 billion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 1.7 per cent.Türkiye Halk Bankası remained sixteenth, with assets of USD 106.75 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 104.68 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 2 per cent in the first six months of 2026.Mashreq retained seventeenth place, with assets reaching USD 99.59 billion at end-June, compared with USD 91.11 billion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 9.3 per cent.Banque Misr remained eighteenth, with assets of USD 94.98 billion at end-June 2026.Attijariwafa bank also retained nineteenth place, with assets reaching USD 87.94 billion at end-June, compared with USD 87.23 billion at end-2025, representing marginal half-year growth of 0.8 per cent.Alinma Bank remained twentieth, with assets reaching USD 87.64 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 82.93 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 5.7 per cent in H1 2026.These movements confirm that competition among the largest banks in the MENA no longer depends solely on the scale of their assets, but increasingly on the pace of growth achieved.Modest differences in performance are now sufficient to drive clear changes in bank rankings, particularly given the close asset sizes of the region’s largest banking institutions.First Bank,largest banks,MENA,QNB Grouphttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13345https://en.firstbankeg.com/13345HDB strengthens retail banking position with higher loans, deposits in H1 2026Housing and Development Banks HDB retail banking business recorded strong growth in H1 2026, reflecting its fiMon, 07 Sep 2026 13:58:38 +02002026-09-07T13:58:38+02:00Housing and Development Bank’s (HDB) retail banking business recorded strong growth in H1 2026, reflecting its firm commitment to excellence and meeting customers’ expectations amid an evolving economic environment.In retail lending, this was reflected in the development of smart financing solutions tailored to customers’ changing needs, supported by advanced digital platforms that streamlined financing procedures, helping broaden financial inclusion and improve customer satisfaction.According to the bank’s standalone financial statements, its retail loan portfolio rose by around 11.4 per cent in H1 2026 to EGP 36.69 billion at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 32.93 billion at end-2025.The growth was supported by an increase in personal loans to EGP 20.44 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 17.36 billion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 17.7 per cent.Mortgage loans increased by around 3.3 per cent in the first half of this year to EGP 14.89 billion at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 14.42 billion at end-2025.Credit card balances rose to EGP 1.11 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 765.35 million at end-2025, representing growth of 44.9 per cent, while retail overdrafts stood at EGP 244.13 million at end-June.HDB’s retail segment accounted for around 45 per cent of the bank’s total loan portfolio, which increased to EGP 81.44 billion at end-June, from EGP 65.72 billion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 23.9 per cent.On deposits, the bank attracted retail deposits through a balanced range of offerings combining security, flexibility and competitive returns, strengthening customer confidence and the sustainability of fund inflows while supporting the bank’s stability and sustainable growth.This was reflected in a roughly 9 per cent increase in retail deposits in H1 2026 to EGP 113.59 billion at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 104.25 billion at end-2025.The retail segment accounted for around 56.2 per cent of the bank’s total deposit portfolio, after HDB’s customer deposits rose to EGP 202.21 billion at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 179.13 billion at end-2025.HDB,deposits,Loans,Retail loan portfolio,Retail bankinghttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13344https://en.firstbankeg.com/13344CIB leads EGX-listed banks in net fee and commission income growthCommercial International Bank-Egypt CIB recorded strong growth in net fee and commission income this year, risMon, 07 Sep 2026 12:44:59 +02002026-09-07T12:44:59+02:00Commercial International Bank-Egypt (CIB) recorded strong growth in net fee and commission income this year, rising 39.7 per cent to around EGP 5.76 billion in H1 2026, compared with EGP 4.12 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.The strong performance pushed the bank to the top of First Bank’s ranking of the fastest-growing banks listed on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) by net fee and commission income in H1 2026, up from fifth place in the H1 2025 ranking.Alongside the growth in net fee and commission income, the bank delivered a strong performance in the first half of this year, recording net profit of EGP 39.24 billion in H1 2026, compared with EGP 33.41 billion in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 17.4 per cent and a total increase of EGP 5.83 billion.Profit before income tax rose to EGP 54.08 billion in H1 2026, compared with EGP 46.40 billion in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 16.6 per cent.Net interest income increased by around 18.2 per cent to EGP 60.48 billion in H1 2026, compared with EGP 51.15 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.On the financial position, total assets rose 17.1 per cent in H1 2026 to EGP 1.68 trillion at end-June, up from EGP 1.44 trillion at end-2025.Customer deposits increased by around 18 per cent in the first half of this year to EGP 1.30 trillion at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 1.11 trillion at end-2025.The bank’s net loans to customers rose to EGP 591.34 billion at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 503.36 billion at end-2025, representing growth of around 17.5 per cent on a half-year basis.CIB,net fee and commission incomehttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13343https://en.firstbankeg.com/13343Egyptian banks fall in First Bank’s top 100 MENA deposit rankingFirst Banks ranking of the 100 largest banks in the Middle East and North Africa MENA by customer deposits sawMon, 07 Sep 2026 12:02:00 +02002026-09-07T12:02:00+02:00First Bank’s ranking of the 100 largest banks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by customer deposits saw notable shifts among Egyptian banks in the first quarter of 2026, with seven of the eight banks included falling in position, while one maintained its ranking.This coincided with the exit of three Egyptian banks from the list, reducing the number of Egyptian banks represented in the ranking to eight, from eleven at end-2025.National Bank of Egypt (NBE) retained eighth place in the MENA region by customer deposits, which totalled USD 111.37bn at end-March 2026.By contrast, the remaining Egyptian banks moved down the ranking, as Banque Misr ranked 19th at end-March 2026, down two places from 17th at end-2025, as the value of its deposits in US dollar terms fell by around 9 per cent quarter-on-quarter to approximately USD 58.02bn, from USD 63.49bn at end-2025.Commercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB) also fell three places to 41st at end-March 2026, from 38th at end-2025, as the value of its deposits in US dollar terms declined by around 4 per cent during the first quarter of the year to approximately USD 22.19bn, from USD 23.17bn.Arab African International Bank (AAIB) dropped eight places to 56th at end-March 2026, from 48th at the end of last year, as the value of its deposits in US dollar terms fell by around 7 per cent during the first quarter of the year to approximately USD 13.42bn, from USD 14.40bn.The decline extended to Banque du Caire, which lost nine places to rank 78th at end-March 2026, from 69th at end-2025, as the value of its deposits in US dollar terms fell by around 7 per cent quarter-on-quarter to USD 7.86bn, from USD 8.41bn.Suez Canal Bank also fell nine places to 93rd at end-March 2026, from 84th at the end of last year, despite the value of its deposits in US dollar terms declining by only around 4 per cent to USD 4.20bn, from USD 4.38bn.Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt lost seven places to rank 95th at end-March 2026, from 87th at end-2025, as the value of its deposits in US dollar terms declined by around 3 per cent during the first quarter of the year to USD 3.97bn, from USD 4.09bn.Meanwhile, ALEXBANK fell six places to 96th at end-March 2026, from 90th at end-2025, as the value of its deposits in US dollar terms declined by around 5 per cent quarter-on-quarter to USD 3.69bn, from USD 3.89bn.These movements came as Egyptian banks continued to record notable growth in customer deposits in Egyptian pounds.However, the pound’s depreciation of around 4 per cent against the US dollar in the first quarter of 2026 reduced the US dollar value of deposits when converted from the local currency, putting pressure on banks’ positions in the regional ranking despite continued growth in their local-currency deposit portfolios.Accordingly, the decline in Egyptian banks’ positions in the ranking does not reflect a contraction in their domestic deposit base. Rather, it was partly driven by the accounting effect of exchange-rate movements on the US dollar value of deposits, as reflected in the first-quarter 2026 results.First Bank,Egyptian banks,Customer Deposits,MENA,100 largest bankshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13340https://en.firstbankeg.com/13340CIB maintains credit lead among EGX-listed banks in H1 2026Commercial International Bank Egypt CIB significantly expanded lending during the year, with its total customeSun, 06 Sep 2026 16:21:28 +02002026-09-06T16:21:28+02:00Commercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB) significantly expanded lending during the year, with its total customer loan portfolio increasing by around EGP 89.94bn during the first six months of 2026 to EGP 631.34bn at end-June, from EGP 541.41bn at end-2025.This strong performance placed CIB at the top of First Bank’s ranking of Egyptian Exchange (EGX)-listed banks on the First Bank Credit Competitiveness Index in H1 2026.CIB retained its lead after also ranking first in the 2025 classification, continuing to record the largest absolute increase in its customer loan portfolio among banks listed on the EGX.Overall, CIB delivered a strong performance during the year, with net profit reaching EGP 39.24bn in H1 2026, compared with EGP 33.41bn in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 17.4 per cent and an increase of EGP 5.83bn.Profit before income tax rose to EGP 54.08bn in H1 2026, from EGP 46.40bn in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 16.6 per cent.Net interest income increased by around 18.2 per cent to EGP 60.48bn in H1 2026, from EGP 51.15bn in the corresponding period of 2025.Net fee and commission income jumped to EGP 5.76bn in the first six months of 2026, from EGP 4.12bn in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 39.7 per cent.In terms of the bank’s financial position, total assets increased to EGP 1.68tn at end-June 2026, from EGP 1.44tn at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 17.1 per cent.Customer deposits rose by around 18 per cent during the first half of the year to EGP 1.30tn at end-June 2026, from EGP 1.11tn at end-2025.To view the full ranking, click <a href="https://en.firstbankeg.com/13337">here</a>.CIB,credit competitiveness index,customer loan portfolio,EGX-listed banks,lendinghttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13339https://en.firstbankeg.com/13339AAIB reaps rewards of three years of development under Tamer WaheedArab African International Bank AAIB has undergone a marked shift in its growth trajectory since Tamer Waheed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:33:22 +02002026-09-06T15:33:22+02:00Arab African International Bank (AAIB) has undergone a marked shift in its growth trajectory since Tamer Waheed became Vice Chairman and Managing Director in May 2023, as the bank moved to broaden its core business, diversify growth drivers and strengthen operational, financial and risk-management capabilities.During this period, the bank advanced on several fronts in parallel, from strengthening its customer base and growing its main portfolios to expanding credit activity, reinforcing its capital base and improving asset quality and profitability indicators.The results of this strategy became more evident in H1 2026, as the bank’s assets exceeded EGP 1 trillion, while deposits and financing continued to grow at strong rates. At the same time, the NPL ratio fell to its lowest level in a decade, capital adequacy strengthened and the bank recorded the highest quarterly profit in its history.These results reflect more than an expansion in business volumes. They show broad-based improvement across key indicators, as the bank grew its operations while maintaining a strong financial position and improving the efficiency of asset and capital deployment.<h3 data-id="TZxDLd">Sustained expansion across core financial portfolios</h3>The bank’s total assets recorded notable growth during H1 2026, reaching EGP 1.04 trillion at end-June 2026, compared with EGP 955.24 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 9 per cent and an increase of more than EGP 82 billion in just six months.Customer deposits also maintained their upward trajectory, rising to EGP 739.98 billion at end-June 2026 from EGP 687.08 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 8 per cent and an increase of EGP 52.90 billion.Deposit growth was supported by strong performance across customer segments. Retail deposits increased by 9 per cent during H1 2026 to EGP 324.49 billion at end-June, from EGP 296.89 billion at end-2025.Corporate deposits also increased to EGP 415.49 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 390.19 billion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 6 per cent.On the credit side, the bank continued to expand its customer loan portfolio at a strong pace, rising to EGP 287.50 billion at end-June 2026 from EGP 240.67 billion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 19 per cent.Corporate loans were the main driver of this expansion, rising by around 19 per cent to EGP 250.32 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 209.72 billion at end-2025, including small loans for economic activities.At the same time, the retail loan portfolio recorded strong growth, increasing by 20 per cent during H1 2026 to EGP 37.18 billion at end-June, from EGP 30.96 billion at end-2025.This performance reflects continued expansion in the bank’s core business and credit activity, alongside strong growth in assets and deposits during H1 2026.<h3 data-id="9n2qGN">Strong improvement in financial soundness indicators</h3>The bank strengthened its financial soundness indicators during H1 2026, supported by improved credit portfolio quality and stronger solvency levels alongside continued business growth.The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declined to 1.15 per cent at end-June 2026 from 2.1 per cent at end-2025, its lowest level in a decade, placing the bank among the five best banks in the Egyptian market in terms of NPL ratio.This improvement is particularly significant given the strong growth in the loan portfolio, reflecting the bank’s ability to expand credit activity while maintaining greater discipline in portfolio quality and risk management.At the capital level, the bank’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 18.50 per cent at end-June 2026, above the 12.5 per cent regulatory minimum set by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) under Basel requirements, providing a strong capital base to support continued growth and absorb potential risks.The leverage ratio also reached 12.54 per cent at end-June 2026, more than three times the minimum regulatory requirement of 3 per cent, reflecting the strength of the bank’s capital base and its ability to support asset growth while maintaining strong solvency levels.<h3 data-id="Cg8QfA">Strong growth in profitability and returns</h3>As the bank expanded its core business and strengthened asset quality, its financial performance also improved, with profitability rising strongly in H1 2026.The bank recorded net profit of EGP 10.25 billion during H1 2026, compared with EGP 8.09 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, representing growth of 27 per cent and an increase of EGP 2.16 billion.This marked the highest first-half profit in the bank’s history, reflecting strong financial performance during the first six months of the year and continued improvement in its ability to generate higher levels of profitability.The improvement extended to return indicators, with return on average equity rising to 14.08 per cent during H1 2026 from 12.09 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025, an increase of 1.99 percentage points.Return on average assets also increased to 2.06 per cent during H1 2026 from around 1.75 per cent in the same period a year earlier, an increase of 0.31 percentage point.<h3 data-id="VJUM5U">Global recognition of AAIB’s progress</h3>Alongside the strong financial performance recorded during H1 2026, AAIB received notable global recognition during the year through a series of awards covering several key areas of its banking activities.The bank was named Best Bank for Large Corporates in Egypt 2026 by Euromoney and Best Retail Bank – Egypt 2026 at MENA Banking Excellence Awards by MEED, recognising its performance across both corporate and retail banking.The awards also extended to customer experience, banking solutions and corporate social responsibility. World Business Outlook named AAIB Best Customer Experience in Banking, recognised it for Excellence in Corporate Financing Solutions, and awarded it Best CSR Initiative in Banking in Egypt 2026.The bank also received the Best Sustainable Bank and Best Investment Bank in Egypt 2026 awards from World Economic Magazine, extending its international recognition across several areas linked to its business model and diversified services.<h3 data-id="EAPci3">Years of development lay the foundation for a new phase</h3>AAIB’s H1 2026 results point to broad-based improvement across business activity, profitability, asset quality and solvency, providing a stronger foundation for the next phase of its strategy.The bank’s broader core business and strong financial position provide room for further growth, while maintaining asset quality and capital efficiency will remain key to translating that expansion into sustainable gains and strengthening its position in Egypt’s banking market.Arab African International Bank,AAIB,Growth,Tamer Waheed,bankhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13338https://en.firstbankeg.com/13338EBank strengthens solvency, leverage ratios in H1 2026Export Development Bank of Egypts EBank standalone financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2026 showSun, 06 Sep 2026 13:21:23 +02002026-09-06T13:21:23+02:00Export Development Bank of Egypt’s (EBank) standalone financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2026 showed that the bank’s capital adequacy ratio increased to 17.70 per cent at end-June 2026, from 17.17 per cent at end-2025.The capital adequacy ratio measures the bank’s capital components relative to its risk-weighted assets and contingent liabilities, reflecting the relationship between its capital base and the risks associated with its assets and other operations.It is also a measure of the bank’s solvency, or its ability to meet its obligations and absorb potential future losses, with the aim of protecting the bank, depositors and other creditors.<h3 data-id="rk3rez">EBank’s leverage ratio rises to 10.23% at end-June 2026</h3>The bank’s leverage ratio increased to 10.23 per cent at end-June 2026, from 9.47 per cent at end-2025.The leverage ratio reflects the relationship between Tier 1 capital used in the capital adequacy ratio, after deductions, and the bank’s on- and off-balance-sheet other assets without applying risk weights.The leverage ratio is calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital after deductions by total assets on- and off-balance-sheet without applying risk weights.The stronger leverage ratio came as total Tier 1 capital increased by 16.6 per cent to EGP 25.90 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 22.21 billion at end-2025.The increase in Tier 1 capital was supported by a 32.4 per cent rise in issued and paid-up capital to EGP 18 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 13.60 billion at end-2025.Meanwhile, total on- and off-balance-sheet exposures increased to EGP 253.28 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 234.61 billion at end-2025.Ebank,capital adequacy,leverage ratio,solvencyhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13336https://en.firstbankeg.com/13336Palestinian banks secure a single place among the Arab world’s 100 largest banksBank of Palestine was the only Palestinian lender to make First Banks ranking of the 100 largest Arab banks atSun, 06 Sep 2026 10:19:36 +02002026-09-06T10:19:36+02:00Bank of Palestine was the only Palestinian lender to make First Bank’s ranking of the 100 largest Arab banks at end-March 2026, placing 71st with total assets of USD 10.90 billion, up 2.4 per cent quarter-on-quarter from USD 10.65 billion at end-2025.Despite the relatively limited weight of the Palestinian banking sector compared with the largest Arab banks, several Palestinian banks secured relatively strong positions outside the top 100, with most improving their rankings during Q1 2026, supported by asset growth.Arab Islamic Bank moved up two places to 111th at end-March 2026, from 113th at end-2025, alongside quarter-on-quarter asset growth of around 1.8 per cent to USD 1.98 billion, from USD 1.94 billion.Palestine Islamic Bank also moved up one place to 113th at end-March, from 114th at end-2025, after its assets increased by around 1.8 per cent quarter-on-quarter to USD 1.82 billion, compared with USD 1.78 billion.Quds Bank advanced one place to 114th, from 115th at end-2025, supported by asset growth of around 5.5 per cent during Q1 2026 to USD 1.76 billion, from USD 1.67 billion.Similarly, The National Bank moved up one place to 115th, from 116th at end-2025, despite a decline of around 2.8 per cent in its assets during the first three months of 2026 to USD 1.44 billion, from USD 1.48 billion.Palestine Investment Bank also rose one place to 117th at end-March 2026, from 118th at end-2025, with its assets edging up 0.77 per cent quarter-on-quarter to USD 890 million, from USD 883 million.Safa Bank advanced one place to 122nd at end-March, from 123rd at end-2025, despite a marginal decline of around 0.98 per cent in its assets to USD 366 million, from USD 370 million.Turning to H1 2026 results, the picture appears more positive in terms of asset growth, with all Palestinian banks covered by the analysis recording increases in their asset bases during the period, indicating continued expansion in the sector despite the challenges facing the local market.Quds Bank led Palestinian banks in asset growth during H1 2026, with its assets rising by around 14.3 per cent to USD 1.91 billion at end-June 2026, making it the fastest-growing bank by assets among the Palestinian banks covered by the analysis.Bank of Palestine also recorded asset growth of 8.8 per cent during H1 2026, taking its total assets to USD 11.59 billion at end-June 2026, reinforcing its position as the largest Palestinian bank by assets and maintaining a wide gap over other local banks.Palestine Islamic Bank’s assets increased by around 7.6 per cent over the same period to USD 1.92 billion, while Arab Islamic Bank recorded growth of 7.5 per cent, taking its assets to USD 2.09 billion at end-June 2026.The National Bank’s assets also grew by around 6.4 per cent during H1 2026 to USD 1.57 billion, while Palestine Investment Bank’s assets rose by around 5.4 per cent to USD 931 million at end-June.Safa Bank also recorded asset growth of around 2.2 per cent during the first half of the year, reaching USD 378 million at end-June 2026.These developments highlight a clear contrast in the Palestinian banking sector. While only one Palestinian bank ranks among the 100 largest Arab banks, most continue to expand their asset bases and improve their regional positions.However, this growth will need to be sustained over several periods before it materially reshapes their standing in the Arab banking rankings, given the wide asset gap with the region’s largest banks.First Bank,assets,largest Arab banks,Palestinian banks,Palestinianhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13335https://en.firstbankeg.com/13335CIB tops EGX-listed banks on First Bank’s Depositor Confidence Index in H1 2026Commercial International Bank Egypt CIB recorded strong growth in customer deposits during 2026, with the balaThu, 03 Sep 2026 16:12:15 +02002026-09-03T16:12:15+02:00Commercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB) recorded strong growth in customer deposits during 2026, with the balance increasing by around EGP 198.44 billion in the first six months of the year to EGP 1.30 trillion at end-June, from EGP 1.11 trillion at end-2025.This performance placed CIB at the top of First Bank’s Depositor Confidence Index for Egyptian Exchange (EGX)-listed banks in H1 2026.Overall, CIB delivered a strong performance during the year, with net profit rising to EGP 39.24 billion in H1 2026, from EGP 33.41 billion in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 17.4 per cent and an increase of EGP 5.83 billion.Profit before income tax increased to EGP 54.08 billion in H1 2026, from EGP 46.40 billion in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 16.6 per cent.Net interest income rose by around 18.2 per cent to EGP 60.48 billion in H1 2026, from EGP 51.15 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.Net fee and commission income jumped to EGP 5.76 billion in the first six months of 2026, from EGP 4.12 billion in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 39.7 per cent.In terms of financial position, total assets increased to EGP 1.68 trillion at end-June 2026, from EGP 1.44 trillion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of 17.1 per cent.Customer deposits rose by around 18 per cent during the first half of the year to EGP 1.30 trillion at end-June 2026, from EGP 1.11 trillion at end-2025.Net loans to customers increased to EGP 591.34 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 503.36 billion at end-2025, representing half-year growth of around 17.5 per cent.CIB,EGX,First Bank,Listed Banks,Customer Deposits,Depositor Confidence Indexhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13334https://en.firstbankeg.com/13334Mahynar MohamedFirst Indicator: QNB Egypt reshapes retail loans as real estate gains groundQNB Egypts financial statements show a relative shift in the composition of its retail loan portfolio over theThu, 03 Sep 2026 14:38:19 +02002026-09-03T14:38:19+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedQNB Egypt’s financial statements show a relative shift in the composition of its retail loan portfolio over the past five years, with changes in the weight of its individual components pointing to greater portfolio diversification compared with end-2021.Real estate loans recorded the fastest growth among the portfolio components, rising by around 378.6 per cent over the past five years to EGP 13.62 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 2.85 billion at end-2021. Their share of the retail loan portfolio consequently increased to 14.81 per cent from 7.84 per cent.This growth increased the importance of real estate lending within the portfolio, making it the second-largest component after personal loans, supported by the bank’s expansion in the segment and participation in several mortgage finance initiatives.Credit cards also recorded strong growth during the period under review, with balances rising by around 182.2 per cent to EGP 3.71 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 1.31 billion at end-2021. Their share of the total portfolio edged up to 4.03 per cent from 3.62 per cent.Personal loans, meanwhile, retained their position as the largest component of the retail loan portfolio, despite their share declining to 77.42 per cent at end-June 2026 from 79.96 per cent at end-2021. Balances grew by around 145.4 per cent to EGP 71.22 billion, from EGP 29.03 billion.Personal loans also remained the main driver of growth in the retail loan portfolio, increasing by EGP 42.20 billion over the past five years and accounting for around 76 per cent of the total increase in retail loans. The overall portfolio expanded by around EGP 55.70 billion to EGP 92 billion, from EGP 36.30 billion, representing growth of 153.4 per cent.Overdraft balances recorded the largest decline in relative weight among the portfolio components, with their share falling to 3.75 per cent at end-June 2026 from 8.59 per cent at end-2021, making them the smallest component of the portfolio by share.Despite this, overdraft balances increased by around 10.7 per cent during the period under review to EGP 3.45 billion at end-June 2026, from EGP 3.12 billion at end-2021, representing an increase of around EGP 334 million.These shifts point to a clear reshaping of QNB Egypt’s retail loan portfolio over the past five years. Personal loans remained the dominant component, while real estate loans gained significant weight on the back of the fastest growth among portfolio segments. Credit cards also increased their share, while overdrafts declined markedly as a proportion of the portfolio.QNB,Retail loan portfolio,QNB Egypt,Real estate loanshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13333https://en.firstbankeg.com/13333The Big Numbers Race: JPMorgan Chase vs Bank of America for a global top-five spotJPMorgan Chase has widened its lead over Bank of America across key financial indicators, despite ranking justThu, 03 Sep 2026 12:56:35 +02002026-09-03T12:56:35+02:00JPMorgan Chase has widened its lead over Bank of America across key financial indicators, despite ranking just one place ahead globally, fifth versus sixth.The gap is most evident in balance-sheet scale, growth momentum and profitability, where JPMorgan Chase continues to outperform its rival.The race for a place among the world’s five largest banks depends on more than ranking, with growth, scale and profitability all playing a decisive role.On these measures, June 2026 figures give JPMorgan Chase a clear edge, while Bank of America faces a steeper challenge in narrowing the gap.According to June 2026 data, JPMorgan Chase’s total assets stood at around USD 5.02 trillion, compared with USD 3.50 trillion at Bank of America.JPMorgan Chase also maintained a clear lead in deposits, with its deposit base reaching around USD 2.71 trillion at end-June 2026, compared with around USD 2.03 trillion at Bank of America at the end of the same period.The advantage extended to lending, with JPMorgan Chase’s loan portfolio reaching around USD 1.54 trillion, compared with around USD 1.22 trillion at Bank of America at the end of the same period.However, looking only at the current size of the banks’ main portfolios does not reveal the full picture. Their trajectories over the past three years show how JPMorgan Chase’s advantage has developed into a wider gap.From end-2023 to June 2026, JPMorgan Chase recorded asset growth of 29.4 per cent, compared with just 10 per cent at Bank of America.The gap extended beyond growth rates, with JPMorgan Chase’s asset lead widening from around USD 694.88 billion at end-2023 to USD 1.52 trillion at end-June 2026, reflecting its faster expansion.A similar pattern emerged in deposits. JPMorgan Chase recorded cumulative growth of 13 per cent over the past three years, compared with 5.3 per cent at Bank of America, widening the gap between their deposit bases from around USD 476.86 billion at end-2023 to USD 688.58 billion at end-June 2026.This is particularly significant because deposits are one of the main sources of strength for large banks, not only as an indicator of the breadth of their customer base, but also because they provide capacity to support business expansion and enhance funding flexibility.In lending, the competition was closer in terms of growth rates, as JPMorgan Chase’s loan portfolio grew by 16.5 per cent over the past three years, compared with 15.6 per cent at Bank of America.However, this relatively narrow difference was not enough to reduce the gap. Instead, JPMorgan Chase continued to extend its lead in absolute terms, with the difference between the two loan portfolios widening from around USD 269.97 billion at end-2023 to USD 324.84 billion at end-June 2026.TThis highlights one of JPMorgan Chase’s key strengths: growth from a much larger business base gives it greater capacity to widen the absolute gap even when the two banks post relatively similar growth rates.While growth in the main financial portfolios reflects scale, profitability shows how efficiently that scale is managed. Here, the advantage tilts more clearly towards JPMorgan Chase.The bank recorded net profit of USD 37.65 billion in H1 2026, exceeding Bank of America’s USD 17.66 billion over the same period.JPMorgan Chase also recorded a return on average assets (ROAA) of 1.60 per cent and a return on average equity (ROAE) of 20.43 per cent, compared with 1.02 per cent and 11.69 per cent, respectively, at Bank of America in H1 2026.The profitability gap reflects more than the difference in earnings. It highlights JPMorgan Chase’s stronger ability to deploy its assets and capital and convert its larger business base into higher returns, giving it an advantage beyond balance-sheet scale.Although only one position separates JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America in the global rankings, their performance trajectories show a much wider gap.JPMorgan Chase has strengthened its lead through faster growth in assets and deposits, alongside stronger lending and profit generation, widening the gap over the past three years.Fifth place therefore reflects more than the current ranking; it also points to the strength of the trends behind it. Sustained growth and profitability would help JPMorgan Chase consolidate its position, while Bank of America would need faster expansion across its core businesses indicators to narrow the gap.The gap between the two banks extends well beyond the single position separating them in the global ranking. JPMorgan Chase continues to widen its lead in scale while delivering stronger growth and profitability.Bank of America, meanwhile, would need a meaningful acceleration in business growth to reverse the trend and narrow the gap.If current trends continue, JPMorgan Chase could strengthen its fifth-place position and potentially move higher among the world’s largest banks, while Bank of America’s ability to accelerate growth will remain key to narrowing the gap.Ranking,JPMorgan Chase,Bank of America,top fivehttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13328https://en.firstbankeg.com/13328Shimaa NasserNBK Egypt marks seven years of expansion under Yasser El TayebNational Bank of Kuwait Egypt NBK-Egypt has recorded strong growth across its business base over the seven yeaTue, 01 Sep 2026 14:58:52 +02002026-09-01T14:58:52+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedNational Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (NBK-Egypt) has recorded strong growth across its business base over the seven years since Yasser El-Tayeb took over as Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director in August 2019.During his tenure, the bank expanded its assets, loans and deposits, while also achieving greater business diversification, a stronger capital base and consistently high asset quality across its loan portfolios.The bank’s indicators over this period point to an expansion that went beyond growth in scale to encompass its business structure, profitability and funding sources, reflecting a clear evolution in NBK-Egypt’s business model.According to the bank’s financial statements, total assets increased from EGP 64.3 billion at end-2019 to EGP 270.3 billion at end-June 2026, representing growth of 320.2 per cent, while loans rose from EGP 32.3 billion to EGP 148.5 billion over the same period, an increase of 360.1 per cent.As a result, loans as a share of total assets increased from about 50.2 per cent to 54.9 per cent, reflecting the allocation of a larger share of the balance sheet to core banking activities as the bank expanded.The expansion was not limited to growth in the loan portfolio, but also extended to its composition. Retail loans increased from EGP 5.5 billion at end-2019 to EGP 31.7 billion at end-June 2026, growing by 474.6 per cent, while corporate loans rose from EGP 26.8 billion to EGP 116.8 billion over the same period, an increase of 336.5 per cent.As a result of the different growth rates between the two segments, retail loans increased their share of the total portfolio from 17.1 per cent to 21.4 per cent, while the share of corporate loans declined from 82.9 per cent to 78.6 per cent over the period under review. This reflects a gradual expansion of the retail business while corporates remained a core component of the bank’s business model.The quality of the portfolio reinforces the significance of this expansion. The quality of the retail loan portfolio stood at 99.18 per cent at end-June 2026, compared with 99.39 per cent for the corporate loan portfolio.These levels are particularly significant given the strong growth in lending, especially in the retail segment, indicating that the expansion of the portfolio was not accompanied by a material deterioration in asset quality.This trend points to a management approach focused on broadening the bank’s growth base rather than redistributing it. Retail grew at a faster pace and gained a larger presence within the portfolio, but not at the expense of the corporate segment, which remained the largest component of the business.The diversification also extended to the funding base. Retail deposits increased from EGP 31.8 billion at end-2019 to EGP 105.8 billion at end-June 2026, growing by 233 per cent, while corporate deposits rose from EGP 19.8 billion to EGP 99.9 billion over the same period, an increase of 404.9 per cent. As a result, corporate deposits accounted for close to half of the total deposit base at end-June 2026, compared with less than 40 per cent at end-2019.This shift reflects an evolution in both the bank’s business and funding sources. The bank did not expand only the asset side of its balance sheet, but also broadened the customer and funding base supporting that growth, alongside a gradual change in the distribution of components within the balance sheet.<h3 data-id="8PoOI9">Broader base supports earnings quality, profitability</h3>The impact of this expansion was clearly reflected in the bank’s income-generating capacity.Net interest income increased from EGP 3.09 billion in 2019 to EGP 13.74 billion in 2025, representing growth of 344.5 per cent, while net income from fees and commissions rose from EGP 506.9 million to EGP 1.87 billion, an increase of 268.4 per cent over the same period.This was reflected in net profit, which increased from EGP 2.17 billion in 2019 to EGP 8.09 billion in 2025, representing growth of 273 per cent. At the same time, Return on Average Assets (ROAA) improved from 3.1 per cent to 3.8 per cent, while Return on Average Equity (ROAE) rose from 30.2 per cent to 30.7 per cent over the same period.The significance of these indicators lies in the relationship between growth and the preservation of productivity. As assets expanded to more than four times their 2019 level, ROAA did not decline but instead improved, while ROAE remained at a high level.This reflects management’s ability to translate growth in the business base into profitability rather than merely achieving expansion in scale.At the same time, business growth was accompanied by an expansion in the capital base. Shareholders’ equity increased from EGP 8.01 billion at end-2019 to EGP 33.08 billion at end-June 2026, representing growth of 313 per cent.Despite this substantial increase, the equity-to-assets ratio remained relatively stable at 12.2 per cent at end-June 2026, compared with 12.5 per cent at end-2019, reflecting growth in the capital base alongside balance-sheet expansion without a material change in the contribution of equity to asset funding.<h3 data-id="j3WhVO">2026: A new phase in the growth trajectory</h3>The first-half 2026 results reflect the strength of the trajectory built over the seven-year period. The bank recorded net profit of EGP 4.22 billion, net interest income of EGP 7.24 billion and net income from fees and commissions of EGP 994.2 million, while ROAA stood at 3.4 per cent and ROAE at 26.7 per cent.The seven years under Yasser El-Tayeb’s leadership therefore point to a transformation in NBK-Egypt’s capabilities that goes beyond an increase in the bank’s scale.The bank's asset base expanded, the loan mix shifted as retail grew at a faster pace, the capital base strengthened and its ability to generate income and profitability increased, while maintaining high levels of quality across its loan portfolios.The outcome suggests that management’s mark over the period was not to change the bank’s identity, but rather to expand its capacity to operate and grow within its core business model, while adding new growth engines and preserving its existing strengths.As the bank reaches this scale, the nature of the management challenge in the next phase is changing.The priority is no longer to build scale at the same pace, but to maximise returns from the base already established, maintain asset quality, improve capital efficiency and develop income sources in a way that supports continued and sustainable profitability growth.NBK-Egypt,bank,Yasser El-Tayeb,business base,seven yearshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13327https://en.firstbankeg.com/13327NBE vs Standard Bank: Will June 2026 results redraw Africa’s banking landscape? The competition for Africas top banking position is back in focus between South Africas Standard Bank Group anTue, 01 Sep 2026 12:54:56 +02002026-09-01T12:54:00+02:00The competition for Africa’s top banking position is back in focus between South Africa’s Standard Bank Group and the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), after the lead shifted between the two over recent years. After NBE held the top position through the end of 2022, Standard Bank Group subsequently moved into first place, in a shift driven not only by changes in asset size but also by the sharp movements in the Egyptian pound and South African rand against the US dollar. The comparison between the two banks is particularly significant given the different reporting dates of their latest available data.  NBE’s most recently published figures showed total assets equivalent to USD 186.67 billion at end-September 2025, while Standard Bank Group’s assets stood at about USD 232.27 billion at end-June 2026. Although NBE republished several financial indicators for the period ended June in August 2026, including deposits, retail financing and retail deposits, the figures did not include total assets. This leaves the latest comparison incomplete, as NBE’s most recent available asset figure dates to September 2025, while Standard Bank Group’s is for June 2026. The apparent gap between the two banks therefore cannot be regarded as a definitive indication of their current positions, as nine months separate NBE’s latest disclosed asset figure from the data available for Standard Bank Group. The disclosure of NBE’s total assets at end-June 2026 therefore becomes the key missing piece needed to complete the comparison and determine the actual gap between Africa’s two largest banks. Exchange rates are a key factor in explaining the shift in the two banks’ positions over recent years, particularly when their assets are compared in US dollar terms.  NBE continued to expand its assets in local-currency terms, but the sharp depreciation of the Egyptian pound reduced the dollar value of that growth, limiting the extent to which its domestic expansion was reflected in its ranking when comparisons were made in US dollars. The movements of the two currencies illustrate the scale of this impact. The US dollar rose about 98.5 per cent against the Egyptian pound between end-2022 and end-June 2026, meaning that assets denominated in Egyptian pounds would need to grow substantially to offset the impact of the currency’s depreciation when converted into US dollars. By contrast, the South African rand appreciated by about 3.4 per cent against the US dollar over the same period, allowing the dollar value of Standard Bank Group’s assets to move in a more supportive currency environment than that of NBE and strengthening the group’s position in US dollar-based rankings and comparisons. Africa’s banking leadership landscape therefore reflects not only the scale of each bank’s domestic growth, but also the impact of exchange-rate movements when their assets are converted into US dollars. This helps explain the shift in the top position from NBE to Standard Bank Group, despite NBE’s continued strong expansion in the Egyptian market. With NBE’s full June 2026 financial data expected soon, banking and financial circles are awaiting a clearer picture of Africa’s banking leadership based on the latest available figures for both banks.  The data will show the current gap and whether Standard Bank Group retains the top position, or NBE’s recent asset growth narrows the gap between Africa’s two largest banks.  NBE,Africa,Standard Bank Group,South Africa,competitionhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13326https://en.firstbankeg.com/13326Mahynar MohamedCIB tops major Arab banks with 29.74% ROAE in Q1 2026Commercial International Bank Egypt CIB topped First Banks ranking of return on average equity ROAE among majoMon, 31 Aug 2026 15:42:29 +02002026-08-31T15:42:29+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedCommercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB) topped First Bank’s ranking of return on average equity (ROAE) among major Arab banks, with ROAE of 29.74 per cent in Q1 2026.The result was supported by net profit of USD 325 million, reflecting the bank’s efficiency and ability to generate strong returns on shareholders’ equity.The ranking tracks ROAE among major Arab banks, defined by FirstBank’s Rankings Centre as banks with total assets exceeding USD 15 billion.CIB maintained its positive momentum in H1 2026, with ROAE rising to 33.13 per cent alongside net profit of USD 799 million.The bank delivered strong performance across its key financial indicators in H1 2026, continuing to expand its balance sheet. Total assets rose 13.7 per cent in the first six months of the year to USD 34.24 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 30.11 billion at end-2025.Its loan portfolio grew at a faster pace, rising 15.5 per cent over the same period to USD 13.02 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 11.27 billion at end-2025.Growth was not limited to assets and lending, as customer deposits also increased 14.5 per cent in H1 2026 to USD 26.54 billion at end-June from USD 23.17 billion at end-2025.On profitability, CIB reported net profit of USD 799 million in H1 2026, compared with USD 674 million in H1 2025, representing growth of 18.6 per cent.Net interest income rose 19.4 per cent to USD 1.23 billion in the first six months of 2026 from USD 1.03 billion in the same period of 2025.Net fee and commission income increased 41 per cent to USD 117 million in H1 2026 from USD 83 million in the same period of 2025.CIB’s position at the top of the ranking reflects its ability to deploy its shareholders’ equity base efficiently and translate it into strong profits, reinforcing its position as one of the leading examples of profitability and efficiency among major Arab banks.CIB,First Bank,Ranking,Arab banks,ROAEhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13325https://en.firstbankeg.com/13325Mahynar MohamedQNB retains lead among MENA’s top banks by customer depositsQatar National Bank QNB Group topped First Banks latest ranking of MENAs top 100 banks by customer deposits atMon, 31 Aug 2026 15:02:44 +02002026-08-31T15:02:44+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedQatar National Bank (QNB) Group topped First Bank’s latest ranking of MENA’s top 100 banks by customer deposits at end-March 2026, with its deposit portfolio reaching about USD 267.2 billion.The group continued to expand its customer deposit base in H1 2026, reaching USD 267.02 billion at end-June, compared with USD 261.40 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 2.15 per cent.Overall, QNB Group recorded strong performance in H1 2026, with total assets rising 3.69 per cent to USD 394.72 billion at end-June from USD 380.67 billion at end-2025.Its loan portfolio also increased, rising 2.67 per cent in H1 2026 to USD 285.99 billion at end-June from USD 278.54 billion at end-2025.On profitability, net profit reached about USD 2.43 billion in H1 2026, compared with USD 2.35 billion in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 3.37 per cent.Profit before income tax rose 6.41 per cent to USD 3.16 billion in H1 2026 from USD 2.97 billion in the same period of 2025.Net interest income increased 9.47 per cent to USD 5.19 billion in the first six months of 2026, compared with USD 4.74 billion in H1 2025.Net fee and commission income also rose to about USD 788 million in H1 2026 from USD 668 million in the same period of 2025, representing growth of 18 per cent.QNB,First Bank,Ranking,Customer Deposits,Top 100 Banks,MENAhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13324https://en.firstbankeg.com/13324The Big Numbers Race: Mashreq, ADIB compete for UAE top-five statusMashreq and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank ADIB are among the most prominent players in this competition, given their Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:58:10 +02002026-08-31T13:58:10+02:00Competition among UAE banks continues to shape the market landscape, amid differences in business scale and growth rates across banking activities.Mashreq and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) are among the most prominent players in this competition, given their relatively close size and differing performance across several key financial indicators.According to June 2026 data, Mashreq ranks fifth among UAE banks, while ADIB ranks sixth.In terms of financial position, Mashreq’s total assets reached about USD 99.59 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 82.75 billion at ADIB.In deposits, ADIB maintained its lead, with deposits reaching about USD 66.89 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 61.86 billion at Mashreq.Mashreq, meanwhile, held the advantage in financing activity, with its portfolio reaching USD 62.93 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 58.34 billion at ADIB.While the June 2026 figures reflect the current balance of competition, understanding how this position developed requires examining growth trends in recent years. Both banks have expanded strongly since end-2022, although growth rates have differed across banking activities.Mashreq’s total assets grew 84 per cent over the period, compared with 80.3 per cent at ADIB. This widened the asset gap between the two banks to USD 16.84 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 8.24 billion at end-2022, reflecting Mashreq’s stronger position in terms of total assets.In deposits, Mashreq recorded growth of 99.6 per cent over the past three years, compared with 77.8 per cent at ADIB over the same period.Although ADIB continued to hold the larger deposit base, Mashreq’s faster growth helped narrow the gap between the two banks to USD 5.03 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 6.63 billion at end-2022, reflecting the faster pace of its expansion in this activity.In financing, Mashreq recorded growth of 156 per cent over the past three years, compared with 90.9 per cent at ADIB. This enabled Mashreq to overtake ADIB in the size of its financing portfolio after trailing it at end-2022, with the gap reaching USD 4.60 billion in Mashreq’s favour at end-June 2026.On profitability, Mashreq reported net profit of USD 1.10 billion in H1 2026, with return on average assets (ROAA) of 2.31 per cent and return on average equity (ROAE) of 19.13 per cent.ADIB, meanwhile, reported net profit of USD 1.02 billion in H1 2026, with ROAA of 2.57 per cent and ROAE of 23.22 per cent, reflecting higher efficiency in generating returns on assets and shareholders’ equity.On the capital side, ADIB continued to maintain a larger capital base, with capital reaching USD 988.92 million at end-June 2026, compared with USD 546.22 million at Mashreq.These indicators point to a relatively balanced competitive position between the two banks, with each holding an advantage across different key financial measures.Mashreq strengthened its position through a larger asset base, overtaking ADIB in financing activity and recording higher net profit in H1 2026, while ADIB continued to lead in deposits and recorded higher returns on average assets and average equity.The balance of competition between the two banks will therefore remain linked to each bank’s ability to strengthen its areas of advantage and translate them into sustainable growth, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape between them in the coming years.ADIB,assets,the Big Numbers Race,Mashreq,UAE bankshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13320https://en.firstbankeg.com/13320Mahynar MohamedFirst Bank tracks 10 largest Gulf banks by loans at end-June 2026Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:43:17 +02002026-08-30T16:44:00+02:00The 10 largest Arab banks by loans at end-June 2026 remained unchanged in terms of the banks included, although several positions shifted as relatively small differences in growth reshaped the ranking. FirstBank tracks the 10 largest Gulf banks by loans, analysing changes in their positions and portfolio growth compared with end-2025.Qatar National Bank (QNB) retained the top spot as the largest Gulf bank by loans, with its portfolio rising 2.7 per cent in H1 2026 to about USD 285.99 billion at end-June from USD 278.54 billion at end-2025.Emirates NBD, meanwhile, climbed two places to second, supported by strong growth in its loan portfolio. Loans rose 17.9 per cent in H1 2026 to USD 203.22 billion at end-June from USD 172.31 billion at end-2025, the fastest growth rate among the top 10 banks.The increase enabled Emirates NBD to overtake Al Rajhi Bank, which slipped one place to third after its loan portfolio recorded limited growth of 1.1 per cent in H1 2026. The portfolio reached USD 202.84 billion at end-June, up from USD 200.69 billion at end-2025.Saudi National Bank also fell one place to fourth, with its loan portfolio rising 1.2 per cent in H1 2026 to USD 196.84 billion at end-June from USD 194.44 billion at end-2025.First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), meanwhile, retained fifth place after its loan portfolio grew 7.3 per cent in H1 2026 to about USD 180.03 billion at end-June from USD 167.81 billion at end-2025.Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) remained sixth, with its loan portfolio reaching USD 121.05 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 110.53 billion at end-2025, an increase of 9.5 per cent in H1 2026.Riyad Bank retained seventh place after its loan portfolio rose 1 per cent in the first six months of 2026 to about USD 100.51 billion at end-June from USD 99.53 billion at end-2025.National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) remained eighth, with its loan portfolio increasing 3.6 per cent in H1 2026 to about USD 90.19 billion at end-June from USD 87.09 billion at end-2025.Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) retained ninth place after its loan portfolio grew 7 per cent in H1 2026 to about USD 85.22 billion at end-June from USD 79.62 billion at end-2025.Dubai Islamic Bank rounded out the ranking of the 10 largest Gulf banks by customer loans, retaining 10th place as its portfolio rose 7.2 per cent in H1 2026 to USD 76.51 billion at end-June from USD 71.35 billion at end-2025.https://en.firstbankeg.com/13319https://en.firstbankeg.com/13319Mahynar MohamedSNB regains Saudi deposit crown from Al Rajhi after nine monthsSaudi National Bank SNB regained the lead in Saudi Arabias deposit market at end-June 2026, after nine consSun, 30 Aug 2026 16:39:04 +02002026-08-30T16:41:00+02:00Saudi National Bank (SNB) regained the lead in Saudi Arabia’s deposit market at end-June 2026, after nine consecutive months in which Al Rajhi Bank held the top position following its move into first place at end-September 2025, according to a recent analysis by First Bank’s Research Centre.The shift reflects the continuing change in the competitive balance between the kingdom’s two largest banking institutions.According to the banks’ consolidated financial statements, SNB’s customer deposits rose to USD 185.82 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 169.59 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 9.6 per cent in H1 2026.By comparison, Al Rajhi Bank’s customer deposits increased to USD 183.21 billion at end-June 2026 from about USD 177.91 billion at end-2025, up 3 per cent over the same period.The results show that the change at the top was not driven by a decline in Al Rajhi Bank’s deposit base, but by the widening gap between the two banks’ growth rates during the first half of the year.While Al Rajhi Bank continued to record positive deposit growth, SNB accelerated its deposit mobilisation at a rate more than three times that of its rival, allowing it to close the gap and regain first place within six months.This reflects a shift in the nature of competition in Saudi Arabia’s deposit market. Maintaining a larger deposit base is no longer sufficient to secure the leading position, while the ability to achieve faster growth and attract new deposit inflows has become increasingly influential in reshaping the rankings among the kingdom’s largest banks.The development comes amid intense competition between the two banks over the past five years. SNB had long been Saudi Arabia’s largest bank by customer deposits before Al Rajhi Bank took first place for the first time in its history during 2024, marking the start of a new phase characterised by an unprecedented narrowing of the gap between their deposit bases and repeated changes in leadership.Since then, neither bank has maintained a stable lead, with the top position shifting according to differences in deposit growth during each financial period. After Al Rajhi Bank first moved into first place, SNB regained the lead at end-June 2025. Al Rajhi Bank then returned to the top at end-September of the same year and held the position for nine consecutive months, before SNB regained it once again at end-June 2026.This pattern confirms that competition between the two banks has entered a more dynamic phase than in previous years. The gap between them has become extremely narrow, meaning that even a relatively small difference in deposit growth over a single financial period can reshape the leadership of the market.Despite SNB’s return to first place, the competition remains open, as the gap between the two banks stood at just USD 2.61 billion at end-June 2026, a very narrow margin relative to the size of their respective deposit bases. This suggests that leadership of Saudi Arabia’s deposit market will continue to depend on each bank’s ability to maintain growth momentum and attract further deposits in the coming periods.https://en.firstbankeg.com/13318https://en.firstbankeg.com/13318Mahynar MohamedFirstBank tracks the 10 largest Gulf banks by deposits at end-June 2026Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:36:11 +02002026-08-30T16:37:00+02:00H1 2026 results point to a shift in the competitive dynamics among Gulf banks. While the same 10 banks remained in the ranking, differences in customer deposit growth reshuffled several positions, changing the order within the group without altering its composition.The movements suggest that maintaining a leading position now depends not only on the size of a bank’s deposit base, but also on how quickly it grows relative to competitors. With deposit balances relatively close across several of the top 10 banks, differences in growth rates became the main factor reshaping the ranking during H1 2026.Against this backdrop, FirstBank tracks the 10 largest Gulf banks by customer deposits at end-June 2026, analysing changes in their positions and deposit balances compared with end-2025.Qatar National Bank retained the top spot after customer deposits rose 2.1 per cent to USD 267.02 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 261.40 billion at end-2025, maintaining the largest deposit base among Gulf banks.Emirates NBD climbed two places to second, supported by the fastest customer deposit growth among the top 10 banks. Deposits rose 13.5 per cent to USD 242.89 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 214.01 billion at end-2025, enabling the bank to overtake First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).FAB, meanwhile, slipped to third despite customer deposits rising to USD 232.25 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 228.92 billion at end-2025. Its 1.5 per cent growth rate was the slowest among the top 10 and was not enough to retain second place.Saudi National Bank (SNB) rose to fourth from fifth, supported by a 9.6 per cent increase in customer deposits to USD 185.82 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 169.59 billion at end-2025.Al Rajhi Bank, by contrast, fell to fifth despite customer deposits rising 3 per cent to USD 183.21 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 177.91 billion at end-2025. The increase was not enough to preserve its previous position given the stronger growth recorded by SNB.Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) retained sixth place after customer deposits rose 5.4 per cent to USD 143.39 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 136.07 billion at end-2025.Riyad Bank also held seventh place, with customer deposits increasing 4.8 per cent to USD 92.69 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 88.44 billion at end-2025.Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) climbed to eighth from ninth after customer deposits rose 5.7 per cent to USD 91.07 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 86.19 billion at end-2025, allowing it to move ahead of Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB).DIB slipped to ninth despite customer deposits rising 2.1 per cent to USD 89.03 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 87.18 billion at end-2025. The pace of growth was not enough to maintain its previous position.National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) rounded out the ranking, retaining 10th place after customer deposits rose 3.6 per cent to USD 87.74 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 84.65 billion at end-2025.The results show that competition among the largest Gulf banks is increasingly being shaped by the pace of deposit growth rather than deposit size alone. With the top 10 unchanged, differences in growth rates became the main driver of shifts in ranking, underscoring that maintaining a leading position depends not only on the scale of the deposit base but also on the ability to expand it faster than competitorshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13317https://en.firstbankeg.com/13317Mahynar MohamedFirstBank ranks the 10 largest Arab banks by assets at end-June 2026Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:31:16 +02002026-08-30T16:31:16+02:00The 10 largest Arab banks remained unchanged, although several members shifted positions as relatively narrow gaps in asset size meant that modest differences in growth were enough to reshape the ranking.H1 2026 data show that competition at the top of the Arab banking sector has become increasingly sensitive to differences in growth rates. Qatar National Bank (QNB) regained first place after its assets rose 3.7 per cent, or USD 14.05 billion, to USD 394.72 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 380.67 billion at end-2025.QNB’s return to the top pushed First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) into second place.FAB recorded more moderate asset growth of just 0.4 per cent, adding USD 1.34 billion over the same period to reach USD 383.57 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 382.23 billion at end-2025. The slower pace of growth was not enough to preserve its lead against a faster-growing rival.Emirates NBD recorded the fastest asset growth among the 10 largest banks, with assets rising 13.6 per cent, or USD 43.04 billion, during the first six months of 2026. Its assets reached USD 360.08 billion at end-June, up from USD 317.04 billion at end-2025, lifting the bank from fourth to third place.As a result, Saudi National Bank (SNB) slipped to fourth place at end-June 2026 from third at end-2025, despite recording asset growth of about 2.7 per cent. Its assets increased by USD 8.67 billion to USD 331.28 billion from USD 322.61 billion, but the pace of growth was slower than that recorded by Emirates NBD.Al Rajhi Bank remained fifth, with total assets reaching USD 280.73 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 278.15 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 0.93 per cent and an increase of USD 2.59 billion in H1 2026.Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) retained sixth place, with assets rising to USD 226.86 billion at end-June 2026 from USD 210.64 billion at end-2025, up 7.7 per cent or USD 16.21 billion over the period.National Bank of Egypt (NBE) also remained seventh, with total assets of USD 197.98 billion at end-June 2026.National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) retained eighth place after its assets reached USD 150.16 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 148.14 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 1.4 per cent and an increase of USD 2.01 billion in H1 2026.The final two positions saw Riyad Bank and Kuwait Finance House (KFH) exchange places. Riyad Bank moved up to ninth at end-June 2026 after its assets increased 2.6 per cent, or USD 3.53 billion, to USD 142.03 billion from USD 138.50 billion at end-2025.By contrast, KFH slipped to tenth after its assets declined 1.3 per cent in H1 2026 to USD 137.11 billion from USD 138.88 billion at end-2025.These movements show that competition among the largest Arab banks is no longer determined solely by the absolute size of their asset bases, but increasingly by the pace of growth. With asset levels among the region’s largest banks relatively close, even modest differences in performance can produce clear changes in ranking.https://en.firstbankeg.com/13315https://en.firstbankeg.com/13315Mahynar MohamedFirst Indicator: Major banks drive Arab banking sector growth, top 10 capture 74% of asset increaseSun, 30 Aug 2026 16:26:31 +02002026-08-30T16:26:31+02:00Growth rates alone do not tell the full story of expansion in the Arab banking sector, particularly when growth is measured by the absolute increase in assets.While some mid-sized and emerging banks may record high growth rates, the much larger asset bases of major banks mean that even relatively modest percentage increases can translate into substantial gains in absolute terms, allowing them to drive sector growth and preserve their relative weight.Data from First Bank’s ranking of the 100 largest Arab banks at end-March 2026 confirm this trend. Asset growth across the 100 banks was not evenly distributed, with the largest institutions accounting for the bulk of the increase recorded during Q1 2026.The 10 largest Arab banks added about USD 52 billion to their assets during Q1 2026, accounting for around 74 per cent of the total increase recorded by the top 100 banks, which stood at about USD 70 billion.As a result, total assets across the ranking rose to USD 5.05 trillion at end-March 2026 from USD 4.97 trillion at end-2025.This performance also lifted the top 10 banks’ share of the combined assets of the 100 largest Arab banks to around 51 per cent at end-March 2026 from 50 per cent at end-2025, reflecting the continued concentration of financial strength among a limited number of major banking institutions.Although the composition of the top 10 remained unchanged, competition within the group remained active. Q1 2026 saw limited shifts in the rankings of several banks, driven by relatively small differences in asset portfolios and the increases recorded during the period, without any new entrants or exits.Emirates NBD climbed to third from fourth at end-2025 after adding about USD 14.20 billion to its assets, which rose to USD 331.24 billion at end-March 2026 from USD 317.04 billion at end-2025.The bank overtook Saudi National Bank, which slipped to fourth from third after adding just USD 4.73 billion in Q1 2026, taking its assets to USD 327.34 billion at end-March from USD 322.61 billion at end-2025.Riyad Bank also rose to ninth from 10th after adding USD 4.61 billion to its assets, which reached USD 143.11 billion at end-March 2026 from USD 138.50 billion at end-2025.It moved ahead of Kuwait Finance House (KFH), which fell to 10th from ninth despite adding about USD 3 billion to its assets, taking the total to USD 141.87 billion at end-March 2026 from USD 138.88 billion at end-2025.These movements reflect the relatively close asset sizes of several major banks, making their rankings more sensitive to differences in the absolute increases recorded across reporting periods.https://en.firstbankeg.com/13314https://en.firstbankeg.com/13314AAIB leads banks operating in Egypt in retail deposits over three yearsArab African International Banks AAIB retail deposit portfolio recorded strong growth over the past three yearSun, 30 Aug 2026 14:30:18 +02002026-08-30T14:30:18+02:00Arab African International Bank’s (AAIB) retail deposit portfolio recorded strong growth over the past three years, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 59.74 per cent to EGP 296.89 billion at end-2025 from EGP 72.84 billion at end-2022.This strong performance pushed the bank to the top of First Bank’s ranking of the fastest-growing banks operating in Egypt by retail deposits over the three-year period from 2022 to 2025.The bank’s retail deposits continued to grow during the current year, reaching EGP 322.43 billion at end-March 2026.Overall, AAIB recorded strong performance during the current year, reporting net profit of EGP 4.6 billion in Q1 2026, compared with EGP 3.2 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.Net interest income reached EGP 8 billion in the first three months of the year, amid continued strong growth across the bank’s operating activities.The bank’s total assets rose to EGP 1.04 trillion at end-March 2026, while its total loan portfolio reached about EGP 255.9 billion, comprising EGP 221 billion in corporate loans and EGP 34.9 billion in retail loans.Total deposits reached EGP 733 billion at end-March 2026, including EGP 322 billion in retail deposits and EGP 411 billion in corporate deposits.AAIB,First Bank,Banks,retail deposithttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13313https://en.firstbankeg.com/13313Amr El-Shafei lifts Emirates NBD Egypt deposits by over EGP 100bn in four yearsSun, 30 Aug 2026 14:07:39 +02002026-08-30T14:07:39+02:00Emirates NBD Egypt has entered a new phase of growth and expansion since Amr El-Shafei, chief executive officer and managing director, assumed executive leadership in February 2023.During the period under review, the bank recorded strong growth across its financial indicators over a relatively short period, supported by an integrated strategy aimed at improving operational efficiency, diversifying income sources and providing innovative banking solutions, strengthening Emirates NBD Egypt’s position among banks operating in Egypt.Emirates NBD Egypt’s total customer deposits jumped 125.4 per cent under El-Shafei’s leadership, reaching EGP 192.04 billion at end-June 2026 from EGP 85.22 billion at end-2022, an increase of EGP 106.82 billion.The strong increase in total customer deposits was driven by substantial growth in retail deposits, which surged 197.3 per cent to EGP 80.11 billion at end-June 2026 from EGP 26.95 billion at end-2022, an increase of EGP 53.16 billion.This growth increased the share of retail deposits in total customer deposits to 41.7 per cent at end-June 2026 from 31.6 per cent at end-2022.Corporate deposits accounted for 58.3 per cent of total customer deposits at end-June 2026, after growing 92.1 per cent over the period. The portfolio increased by EGP 53.66 billion to EGP 111.93 billion at end-June 2026 from EGP 58.27 billion at end-2022.Retail deposits therefore grew faster than corporate deposits over the period and recorded a larger percentage increase, reflecting a shift in the deposit mix towards retail customers, while corporate deposits remained the bank’s main source of funding.Overall, El-Shafei’s tenure was accompanied by strong growth across the bank’s financial indicators in H1 2026. Net profit rose 9.6 per cent to EGP 3.31 billion in the first half of 2026 from EGP 3.02 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.Profit before tax increased 16.9 per cent to EGP 5.13 billion in H1 2026 from EGP 4.39 billion in the same period of 2025.Net interest income rose to EGP 7.55 billion in H1 2026 from EGP 6.09 billion a year earlier, representing growth of about 24 per cent.Net fees and commission income edged up 0.6 per cent to EGP 923.56 million in H1 2026 from EGP 918.46 million in the corresponding period of 2025.On the financial position side, total assets jumped to EGP 247.63 billion at end-June 2026 from EGP 207.53 billion at end-2025, representing growth of 19.3 per cent in the first half of the year.Total loans and facilities to customers also grew 19.3 per cent in H1 2026 to EGP 114.01 billion at end-June from EGP 95.57 billion at end-2025.In terms of asset quality, the non-performing loan ratio declined to 3.40 per cent at end-June 2026 from 4.01 per cent at end-2025, a decrease of 61 basis points, reflecting the effectiveness of the bank’s credit risk management.retail deposits,Growth,Emirates NBD Egypt,Customer Deposits,Amr El-Shafeihttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13309https://en.firstbankeg.com/13309The Big Numbers Race: Emirates Islamic, Dukhan Bank renew battle for Arab world’s Islamic top 10Emirates Islamic Bank has reshaped its competition with Dukhan Bank in recent years, as faster growth enabled Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:21:59 +02002026-08-26T15:22:59+02:00Emirates Islamic Bank has reshaped the competitive landscape with Dukhan Bank in recent years, as faster growth enabled the UAE lender to overtake its Qatari rival while also outperforming it on profitability and return indicators.According to June 2026 data, Emirates Islamic ranks 10th among Islamic banks in the Arab world by total assets, while Dukhan Bank ranks 11th.Based on the two banks’ consolidated financial statements, Emirates Islamic’s total assets reached about USD 41.88 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 35.46 billion for Dukhan Bank, reflecting the UAE bank’s larger scale of operations and balance sheet.The advantage extended to deposits, with Emirates Islamic reporting USD 30.11 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 25.79 billion at Dukhan Bank, reflecting its greater capacity to attract liquidity and expand the funding base supporting business growth.In financing activity, Emirates Islamic’s net customer financing reached USD 26.39 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 26 billion at Dukhan Bank, leaving the UAE bank slightly ahead in loans alongside its broader funding base.The competitive shift becomes clearer when tracking the two banks’ performance from end-2022 to June 2026. Emirates Islamic recorded total asset growth of 105.7 per cent over the period, compared with 21.4 per cent at Dukhan Bank.The wide difference in growth rates changed the balance of competition between the two banks, with Emirates Islamic overtaking its Qatari rival at end-2025 and widening the asset gap to USD 6.43 billion by end-June 2026.Deposits at Emirates Islamic grew 96.2 per cent over the same period, compared with 25.9 per cent at Dukhan Bank. This also enabled the UAE bank to overtake its rival at end-2025, with the gap widening to USD 4.32 billion at end-June 2026.This indicates that Emirates Islamic’s advance was not driven by asset expansion alone, but was accompanied by strong deposit growth, strengthening the funding base available to support further expansion.A similar pattern emerged in financing activity, as Emirates Islamic recorded 100.3 per cent growth in net customer financing over the same period, compared with 25 per cent at Dukhan Bank, allowing it to overtake its rival at end-2025 before widening the gap to about USD 392.58 million at end-June 2026.This reflects growth moving from the funding side to asset deployment, with the bank converting the expansion in its funding base into tangible growth in financing activity.The stronger operating performance was also reflected in profitability. Emirates Islamic reported net profit of USD 466.73 million in H1 2026, compared with USD 223.07 million at Dukhan Bank, extending its advantage from scale and growth indicators to profit generation.Emirates Islamic also held an advantage in asset utilisation efficiency, recording return on average assets (ROAA) of 2.29 per cent in H1 2026, compared with 1.29 per cent at Dukhan Bank, reflecting higher efficiency in generating returns from its asset base.Return on average equity (ROAE) at Emirates Islamic reached 20.10 per cent, compared with 10.58 per cent at Dukhan Bank in H1 2026, indicating that the gap extends beyond business scale to the bank’s ability to generate higher returns for shareholders.On the capital side, Emirates Islamic’s capital stood at USD 1.48 billion at end-June 2026, compared with USD 1.44 billion at Dukhan Bank, supporting the UAE bank’s capacity to continue expanding and build on its recent momentum.Based on these figures, Emirates Islamic Bank enters the next phase with a clear advantage over Dukhan Bank after moving ahead across the main financial portfolios while also outperforming its rival on profitability and returns.However, that advantage remains dependent on whether the current growth differential continues, leaving the competitive balance open to change in the coming periods. Sustained strong growth at Emirates Islamic would strengthen its ability to widen the gap and consolidate its lead, while faster growth at Dukhan Bank could narrow the gap and allow it to reclaim 10th place among Islamic banks in the Arab world.The direction of the competition will therefore be determined not by current business scale alone, but by each bank’s ability to maintain strong growth and translate it into sustainable expansion while preserving high levels of profitability and efficiency. Arab world,Dukhan Bank,Emirates Islamic Bankhttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13308https://en.firstbankeg.com/13308Yasmin ElsayedCompetitiveness Indicator: AAIB, QNB Egypt intensify race for second place among private-sector banksCompetition for second place among Egypts private-sector banks is intensifying between Arab African InternatioWed, 26 Aug 2026 13:23:29 +02002026-08-26T13:23:29+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedCompetition for second place among Egypt’s private-sector banks is intensifying between Arab African International Bank (AAIB), led by Tamer Waheed, vice chairman and managing director, and QNB Egypt, led by Mohamed Bedeir, chief executive officer, as the gap between the two banks’ total assets narrows.The close contest is not a recent development. QNB Egypt ranked behind Commercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB) for years before the competitive landscape shifted in June 2024, when AAIB overtook its rival to claim second place.Since AAIB moved into the second position, the asset gap between the two banks has fluctuated considerably, widening at some points and narrowing sharply at others as their respective asset growth rates changed from one period to another.The gap stood at EGP 76.03 billion at end-September 2024 before widening to a peak of EGP 114.67 billion at end-2024. It then narrowed to EGP 46.18 billion at end-March 2025.The gap widened again to EGP 96.12 billion at end-June 2025 before falling to EGP 45.57 billion at end-September 2025 and EGP 39.68 billion at end-2025. By end-March 2026, it had narrowed further to just EGP 16.09 billion.The decline marks a notable shift in the competition. A gap that exceeded EGP 100 billion at end-2024 shrank to EGP 16.09 billion only 15 months later, its lowest level since June 2024, leaving the two banks in an increasingly tight race for second place.The narrowing gap coincided with a milestone in both banks’ growth, as their total assets exceeded EGP 1 trillion for the first time at end-March 2026.AAIB’s assets rose to EGP 1.04 trillion at end-March 2026 from EGP 955.24 billion at end-2025, representing quarterly growth of 9.3 per cent.QNB Egypt’s assets, meanwhile, increased to about EGP 1.03 trillion from EGP 915.56 billion over the same period, recording quarterly growth of 12.2 per cent.Although AAIB remained ahead by EGP 16.09 billion, QNB Egypt’s stronger asset growth in Q1 2026 adds a new dimension to the competition. With the gap now at a level where differences in growth rates could alter the ranking, the pace of asset expansion has become increasingly important in determining the direction of the race.Attention is now turning to the H1 2026 results as the next test of the balance between the two banks. QNB Egypt has already announced its results for the period, while the market awaits AAIB’s results, expected in the coming days.The upcoming results are particularly significant given the narrow gap between the two banks. They will show whether AAIB can maintain its lead and whether QNB Egypt sustained the momentum recorded in Q1 2026, potentially allowing it to overtake its rival and reclaim second place.The question now is whether AAIB can retain its position and widen the gap again, or whether QNB Egypt will reverse the order and reclaim second place. As attention turns to the latest figures, First Bank continues to track the two banks’ positions and whether the upcoming results will reinforce the current ranking or reshape the landscape of Egypt’s private-sector banks.AAIB,total assets,QNB Egypt,private-sector,private-sector bankshttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13307https://en.firstbankeg.com/13307Shaimaa NasserCorporate Indicator: Corporates drive over 75% of ADIB Egypt’s deposit, loan growthThe corporate segment at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt ADIB Egypt is no longer simply the largest component of Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:19:47 +02002026-08-26T12:19:47+02:00Translated & Edited by Aya ElsayedThe corporate segment at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Egypt (ADIB Egypt) is no longer simply the largest component of its loan portfolio, but has become a key driver of the bank’s business expansion in H1 2026.The segment accounted for most of the new growth in both deposits and loans, while also increasing its weight within the asset structure. H1 2026 data show that the corporate segment expanded faster than the bank as a whole across both deposits and loans, strengthening its role in shaping the balance sheet.Corporate deposits rose to EGP 184.13 billion at end-June 2026 from EGP 143.29 billion at end-2025, an increase of EGP 40.84 billion and growth of 28.5 per cent. Corporate loans increased to EGP 139.20 billion from EGP 105.60 billion over the same period, up EGP 33.60 billion or 31.8 per cent.By comparison, total customer deposits rose 19.5 per cent to EGP 332.09 billion at end-June 2026, while total loans increased 28 per cent to EGP 197.92 billion. Corporate business therefore grew faster than the bank overall in both deposits and loans.The significance of this expansion becomes clearer when measured by the corporate segment’s contribution to new growth rather than simply by the size of its balances. Total deposits increased by about EGP 54.23 billion during the period, of which corporate deposits accounted for EGP 40.84 billion, equivalent to 75.3 per cent of the increase.On the lending side, the total increase amounted to EGP 43.25 billion, with the corporate segment contributing about EGP 33.60 billion, or 77.7 per cent. These figures show that the corporate segment was the main driver of new business growth in H1 2026, rather than simply the largest segment by existing balances.This growth also reshaped the balance sheet, as corporate loans increased to 70.3 per cent of total customer loans at end-June 2026 from 68.3 per cent at end-2025, while corporate loans as a share of total assets rose to 33.6 per cent from 30.5 per cent over the same period. With corporate loans growing 31.8 per cent compared with 19.5 per cent growth in total assets, the relative weight of corporate activity within the balance sheet increased faster than the asset base itself.The shift was not limited to loans. Corporate deposits grew 28.5 per cent during the period, outpacing the 19.5 per cent increase in total customer deposits and raising the segment’s share of the bank’s deposit base.Corporate business therefore expanded faster than the bank across both deposits and loans, while simultaneously increasing its share of the loan portfolio and asset structure.This points to an important shift in the nature of ADIB Egypt’s growth in H1 2026. The corporate segment was no longer simply the largest component of the loan portfolio, but became the largest contributor to new growth and expanded faster than the bank’s overall business, while increasing its weight across deposits, loans and assets.ADIB Egypt’s H1 2026 growth therefore cannot be assessed without examining the corporate segment. Its expansion became a key factor in determining both the direction and composition of balance-sheet growth, combining three developments: faster growth than the bank overall, a contribution of more than three-quarters of the new increase in deposits and loans, and a higher share of both the loan portfolio and total assets.ADIB Egypt,corporates,loan portfolio,corporate segmenthttps://en.firstbankeg.com/13305https://en.firstbankeg.com/13305First Index: Greater Cairo retains dominance in EBank’s performance in H1 2026Export Development Bank of Egypt EBank recorded total assets rise 8 per cent in the first half of 2026 to EGTue, 25 Aug 2026 15:25:50 +02002026-08-25T16:26:00+02:00<section data-testid="conversation-turn-8" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:0dc45225-7a81-4241-9344-eb5bde2572b6-26" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:0dc45225-7a81-4241-9344-eb5bde2572b6-26" dir="auto">Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank) recorded total assets rise 8 per cent in the first half of 2026 to EGP 223.45 billion at end-June, from EGP 206.93 billion at end-2025, according to the bank’s standalone financial statements for the six-month period ended 30 June 2026.<h3 data-id="uKJTTP">Greater Cairo accounts for 97.83% of EBank’s assets</h3>Greater Cairo continued to account for the largest share of EBank’s asset base, representing 97.83 per cent of total assets at the end of June 2026. The region’s assets grew by 8.3 per cent during the first half of 2026, reaching EGP 218.60 billion at the end of June 2026, compared with EGP 201.77 billion at the end of 2025.Meanwhile, assets in Alexandria, the Delta and Sinai declined to EGP 3.53 billion at the end of June 2026, compared with EGP 4.01 billion at the end of 2025. Consequently, the region’s contribution to EBank’s total asset base fell to 1.58 per cent, from 1.94 per cent at the end of 2025, reflecting the continued concentration of the bank’s assets in Greater Cairo.Upper Egypt, meanwhile, slightly increased its contribution to the bank’s asset base, accounting for 0.59 per cent of total assets at the end of June 2026, compared with 0.56 per cent at the end of 2025.The region recorded the fastest asset growth among EBank’s geographic regions, with its assets increasing by 13.9 per cent during the first half of 2026 to EGP 1.32 billion, compared with EGP 1.16 billion at the end of 2025. Despite recording the highest growth rate among the regions, Upper Egypt’s contribution to the bank’s overall asset base remained limited due to its relatively small share.Overall, EBank’s asset growth during the first half of 2026 was driven primarily by Greater Cairo, amid a decline in assets across Alexandria, the Delta and Sinai and a limited contribution from Upper Egypt. This highlights the continued geographic concentration of the bank’s asset base in its core market.<h3 data-id="GBljXA">Greater Cairo drives EBank’s profit growth</h3>EBanks net profit increased by 43.9 per cent during the first half of 2026 to EGP 3.75 billion, compared with EGP 2.61 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.Greater Cairo remained the largest contributor to EBank’s net profit, accounting for 69.28 per cent of total net profit during the first half of 2026. The region’s net profit increased by 44.4 per cent to EGP 2.60 billion, compared with EGP 1.80 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.Meanwhile, Alexandria, the Delta and Sinai recorded a 39.5 per cent increase in net profit to EGP 1.04 billion during the first half of 2026, compared with EGP 745.64 million in the corresponding period of 2025. The region contributed 27.73 per cent of EBank’s total net profit during the period.Upper Egypt recorded the fastest growth in net profit among the bank’s geographic regions, with net profit surging by 86.6 per cent to EGP 112.13 million during the first half of 2026, compared with EGP 60.10 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Its contribution to EBank’s total net profit increased to 2.31 per cent.The data indicate that Greater Cairo remained the primary driver of EBank’s profitability during the first half of 2026, accounting for the largest share of the bank’s net profit despite the strong growth recorded by Upper Egypt. Meanwhile, the other geographic regions continued to make relatively limited contributions, underscoring the continued concentration of EBank’s earnings in Greater Cairo.</section>