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First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest lender and one of the world’s strongest financial institutions, reported a record group net profit of Dhs 16.02bn for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, up 24 per cent year-on-year.
Profit before tax rose 26 per cent to Dhs 19.25bn, while return on tangible equity (RoTE) stood at 20 per cent, exceeding the bank’s medium-term guidance.
The bank’s robust performance was driven by double-digit growth across all business divisions, supported by diversified revenue streams, strong client activity, and expanding contributions from key trade corridors. Operating income rose 16 per cent year-on-year to Dhs 27.65bn.
Net interest income increased 2 per cent to Dhs 14.96bn, while non-interest income surged 37 per cent to Dhs 12.7bn, accounting for 46 per cent of group revenue. Fees and commissions rose 23 per cent, and FX and investment income climbed 45 per cent.
Loans and advances grew 13 per cent year-to-date to Dhs596bn, supported by strong trade-linked financing activity. Customer deposits rose 8 per cent to Dhs 848bn, while total assets reached Dhs1.38tn, up 14 per cent year-to-date.
Asset quality remained solid, with a common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 13.7 per cent and a liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) of 158 per cent. FAB maintained one of the region’s strongest combined credit ratings (AA- or equivalent).
FAB reports strong third-quarter earnings
For the third quarter, FAB recorded a net profit of Dhs5.39bn, up 21 per cent year-on-year, driven by higher client activity across lending, deposits, and transactions.
Hana Al Rostamani, group CEO of FAB, said:“FAB delivered record results in the first nine months of 2025, with group revenue of Dhs27.65bn and net profit exceeding Dhs16bn, up 16 per cent and 24 per cent year-on-year, respectively.
Return on tangible equity stood at 20 per cent, well above our medium-term target.
“Across the franchise, we continued to deepen client relationships, diversify revenue streams, and deploy capital efficiently to drive sustainable growth. Our international expansion in Europe, Turkey, Nigeria, and the upcoming branch in India reinforces FAB’s role as the leading corridor bank across key geographies.
“Our AI adoption journey is delivering measurable impact across the group, enhancing efficiency and redefining how we serve clients through intelligence-driven innovation. We enter the final quarter of 2025 with strong momentum, a resilient balance sheet, and confidence in sustaining growth into 2026 and beyond.”
Lars Kramer, group CCFO, added:“FAB’s third-quarter results reflect broad-based strength, with all divisions achieving record revenue. Our capital and liquidity position remain comfortably above regulatory requirements, with a CET1 ratio of 13.7 per cent and LCR of 158 per cent.
“We continued to diversify funding sources and advance our innovation agenda, including executing landmark transactions such as our inaugural blue bond, the first of its kind from a GCC bank, and our first low carbon energy bond, issued at the tightest spread of any bank in the CEEMEA region.”
Business highlights
Investment Banking & Markets revenue rose 17 per cent year-on-year to Dhs9.09bn, driven by a 27 per cent rise in lending.
FAB facilitated Dhs261bn in client fundraising across ECM and DCM platforms and maintained top rankings in MENA investment banking league tables.
Wholesale Banking revenue increased 11 per cent to Dhs4.65bn, supported by growth in lending and deposits, broader regional coverage, and new sector-specialised solutions.
Personal, Business, Wealth and Privileged Client Banking Group reported an 11 per cent rise in revenue to Dhs9.50bn, driven by a 41 per cent increase in new-to-bank customers and a Dhs17bn rise in retail CASA balances.
Assets under management grew 49 per cent year-on-year.
International operations and AI transformation
The international franchise contributed 17 per cent of group revenue, with loans and deposits up 23 per cent and 18 per cent year-to-date, respectively. FAB strengthened its role as a regional anchor for cross-border capital and trade flows across Asia, MENA, Europe, and the UK.
FAB advanced its AI-driven transformation, deploying 18 agentic AI systems across trade operations, customer service, and finance analytics, doubling processing capacity and cutting turnaround times by up to 50 per cent.
The bank said all employees are now AI-enabled, with further expansion planned across credit, legal, and analytics functions.
Key metrics: January-September 2025
- Net profit: Dhs16.02bn (+24 per cent year-on-year)
- Profit before tax: Dhs19.25bn (+26 per cent)
- Operating income: Dhs27.65bn (+16 per cent)
- Total assets: Dhs1.38tn (+14 per cent year-to-date)
- International income: Dhs4.78bn (17 per cent of group revenue)
- RoTE: 20 per cent (versus 17.1 per cent in 9M 2024)
- CET1 ratio: 13.7 per cent
- LCR: 158 per cent
