The Banking Executive Issue - October 2025 Issue

Invest Bank INVEST BANK REPORTS $28MLN PROFIT FOR 9M-2025 Invest Bank announced a profit be- fore tax of AED102 million for the nine-month period ended 30th Sep- tember 2025, reflecting continued growth across income streams, bal- ance sheet expansion, and strong re- coveries. The bank’s total assets rose 24 per- cent year-to-date to AED13.4 billion, while net loans and advances reached AED6.6 billion, up 46 per- cent. Customer deposits grew 28 per- cent to AED11.1 billion, with the current and savings account (CASA) ratio improving to 29.4 percent from 26.6 percent at the end of 2024. Operating income increased 21 per- cent year-on-year to AED251.4 mil- lion, supported by balanced growth in net interest income, up 16 percent to AED148.4 million, and non-inter- est income, which rose 29 percent to AED103 million. The bank main- tained a net interest margin of 1.6 percent despite a 100-basis-point rate decline in the second half of 2024. Operating expenses grew 18 percent year-on-year to support investment in technology and talent, while net re- coveries amounted to AED83 mil- lion, underscoring effective recovery strategies. The bank remains well capitalised, with a capital adequacy ratio of 22.8 percent and a strong liq- uidity position reflected in an eligible liquid asset ratio of 21.4 percent. During the year, Invest Bank received AED380 million from the Govern- ment of Sharjah under the Guarantee Agreement, reducing the reimburse- ment asset balance to AED1.7 bil- lion. Capital Intelligence recently up- graded the bank’s Core Financial Strength rating to ‘b+’ from ‘b’ and its Bank Standalone Rating to ‘bb’ from ‘bb-’, affirming long-term and short- term foreign currency ratings at BBB- /A3, with a ‘High’ extraordinary support level and a ‘stable’ outlook. Edris Al Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Bank, said the results reflect “the continued strength of our strat- egy and the solid progress we’re making in building a more diversi- fied and resilient bank.” He added that the bank is focusing on expand- ing its core business, deepening cus- tomer relationships, and driving sustainable profitability. He highlighted the success of the ‘Earn Upfront’ Fixed Deposit cam- paign, which rewards customers with interest payments on the first day, and the bank’s integration with the CBUAE’s Aani platform to en- hance payment capabilities. Looking ahead, Invest Bank aims to sustain growth through a strong cap- ital base, prudent risk management, and ongoing digital transformation. Al Rafi said the bank “remains com- mitted to delivering long-term value through innovation, operational ex- cellence, and customer-focused so- lutions aligned with the UAE’s evolving financial landscape.” the BANKING EXECUTIVE 40 ISSUE 202 OCTOBER 2025