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Eastern Bank reported a 28 per cent year-on-year rise in consolidated profit in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong investment income, higher foreign exchange earnings and lower provisioning expenses.
The bank’s consolidated profit after tax stood at Tk 1.99 billion for the January-March quarter, up from Tk 1.55 billion in the same period last year, says a press release.
Earnings per share increased to Tk 1.24 from Tk 0.97, while net asset value per share rose to Tk 32.75 from Tk 26.41.
Managing Director Hassan O. Rashid said the bank delivered resilient performance despite slower private sector credit growth. “We remained focused on maintaining strong asset quality, liquidity and capital strength while ensuring better returns for shareholders”.
Net interest income fell to Tk 1.17 billion from Tk 2.28 billion a year earlier as the bank shifted more funds into government securities amid weak loan demand. Although this reduced lending spreads, it boosted safer investment returns.
Interest expenses rose 16 per cent to Tk 10.73 billion, while interest income from loans increased only 3 per cent to Tk 11.90 billion. However, investment income jumped 24 per cent to Tk 4.78 billion.
Non-funded income, including fees, commissions and foreign exchange earnings, rose 14 per cent to Tk 1.92 billion. Foreign exchange income surged 54 per cent to Tk 570 million, supported by higher trade flows and card transactions.
EBL’s non-performing loan ratio stood at 2.80 per cent at the end of March 2026, almost unchanged from 2.79 per cent a year earlier and well below the industry average.
The bank also maintained a strong capital base, with its consolidated Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio at 16.09 per cent, above the regulatory requirement of 12.5 per cent. Deposits grew 20 per cent year-on-year to Tk 562.07 billion, while total assets rose 17 per cent to Tk 769.61 billion.
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