Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has delivered a strong start to 2026, reporting record profit before tax of AED 3.781 billion, up 30 percent year on year, marking its 19th consecutive quarter of profit growth.
Net profit after tax reached AED 3.361 billion, translating to a return on average equity of 16.3 percent, reflecting continued execution of strategy, diversified income streams and operational efficiency.
Revenue Growth Driven by Diversification
Operating income rose 18 percent year on year to AED 5.934 billion, supported by strong growth in non-interest income, which increased 36 percent to AED 2.196 billion.
The bank reported a record low cost-to-income ratio of 25.6 percent, highlighting sustained efficiency gains and disciplined cost management.
Robust Balance Sheet Expansion
ADCB delivered strong balance sheet growth during the quarter:
- Total assets: AED 809 billion (+19 percent YoY)
- Net loans to customers: AED 426 billion (+18 percent YoY)
- Customer deposits: AED 523 billion (+18 percent YoY)
The growth reflects broad-based expansion across key sectors and continued confidence in the ADCB franchise.
Strong Capital and Asset Quality
The bank maintained solid capital and liquidity metrics:
- CET1 ratio: 13.82 percent
- Liquidity coverage ratio: 124.2 percent
- Non-performing loan ratio: 1.76 percent (improved from 2.24 percent YoY)
Provision coverage also strengthened, supporting a resilient balance sheet.
Management Commentary
Ala’a Eraiqat, Group Chief Executive Officer
“Guided by the UAE’s leadership, the country has demonstrated resilience, supporting continuity of economic activity, and reinforcing confidence in long-term stability. In this context, ADCB has maintained consistent operational delivery, with uninterrupted branch operations and high service standards across all customer touchpoints. The Bank also introduced targeted measures for individuals providing essential frontline services in appreciation of their invaluable contributions. In parallel, the Bank launched a suite of banking solutions for corporates designed to strengthen financial resilience and support business continuity.
We have entered the second year of our five-year strategy with a clear focus on transforming ADCB into a technology-driven organisation. In the first quarter, the Bank delivered a strong performance, with profit before tax increasing by 30% year on year to a record AED 3.781 billion, marking 19 consecutive quarters of profit growth.
This sustained performance, together with the Bank’s strong capital and liquidity position, provides a platform for the Bank to continue its growth trajectory. The UAE’s long-term fundamentals are well established, and ADCB remains focused on delivering a high-quality customer experience and enabling strategic investment in priority sectors across the economy.”
Deepak Khullar, Group Chief Financial Officer
“ADCB’s strong performance in the first quarter of 2026 was driven by growth across all core business segments. A combination of a diversified revenue mix and enhanced efficiency continues to support a high-quality and resilient earnings base. Non-interest income increased significantly to account for 37% of total operating income, up from 32% a year earlier, while the cost-to-income ratio improved to a record low of 25.6%, driven by strong top-line growth, productivity gains and disciplined cost management.
The Bank delivered robust balance sheet growth during the quarter. Net loans increased by AED 20 billion, or 5% sequentially, with broad-based expansion across key sectors and AED 10 billion of gross loans extended to government-related entities. The credit pipeline remains solid providing clear visibility on future loan growth. Strong confidence in the ADCB franchise drove an AED 23 billion net inflow of customer deposits during the quarter, up 5% sequentially. This included AED 14 billion of current and savings account (CASA) deposits, representing 47% of total deposits.
The Bank remains resilient, underpinned by its strong capital and liquidity position. To date, ADCB has not utilised any of the facilities prudently made available by the UAE Central Bank under its ‘Proactive Financial Institution Resilience Package’. We remain confident in our ability to navigate an evolving operating environment and are on track to deliver against our short and medium-term financial targets.”
Business Highlights
ADCB continued to strengthen its corporate, retail and wealth franchises:
- Corporate lending expanded across key sectors including government-related entities, financial institutions and manufacturing
- Retail banking added over 57,000 new customers, supported by digital engagement
- Private banking and wealth management saw 7 percent growth in both client base and assets under management
- AI deployment expanded across operations to enhance productivity and customer engagement
Outlook
ADCB reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, supported by strong business momentum, disciplined execution and confidence in the UAE’s long-term economic fundamentals.
