Commercial Bank International opened 2026 on a measured note, delivering a net profit of AED47.1 million for the first quarter, equivalent to $12.82 million, as core operations showed resilience despite a notable drag from non-interest income.
The bank’s pre-tax earnings climbed 14 percent year-on-year to AED52.1 million, supported by a 7 percent rise in net interest income, which reached AED104 million. This growth was underpinned by a stronger asset mix and an uptick in business volumes—signals that its lending and investment strategies are beginning to find firmer footing.
Yet, beneath the headline gains, a sharp decline in non-interest income stood out. The figure dropped by AED66.6 million compared to the same period last year, largely because the previous year’s quarter had been boosted by one-off gains from the sale of non-core assets—an advantage that did not repeat this time.
On the balance sheet front, the bank continued to expand. Total assets rose 7 percent year-on-year to AED22.1 billion, driven by growth in loans and a broader investment portfolio. Customer deposits followed a similar trajectory, increasing 7 percent to AED16.4 billion, reflecting stable confidence among clients.
Capital strength remained intact, with the capital adequacy ratio standing at 16.8 percent—comfortably above regulatory thresholds.
The bank’s leadership framed the quarter as another step in a longer transformation journey, pointing to ongoing efforts to refine the balance sheet and improve asset quality. The steady climb in profitability and key financial metrics, they suggested, reflects a strategy focused less on quick wins and more on building a durable, efficient banking model.
