"Al-Watani - Misr" reports net profits of 4.2 billion Egyptian pounds in the first half

National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt reported net profits of EGP 4.2 billion (equivalent to KD 26.1 million) during the first half of 2026. Net operating income rose to EGP 8.6 billion in the first half of 2026, up from EGP 7.7 billion in the same period of 2025, representing a growth rate of 11%. Net income from income also increased to EGP 7.2 billion in the first half of 2026, compared to EGP 6.7 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, a growth of 7.4%. Meanwhile, net income from non-income activities reached EGP 1.31 billion in the first half of 2026, up from EGP 0.99 billion in the same period of 2025, marking a growth rate of 32%.

Financial investment profits also climbed to EGP 56 million in the first half of 2026, compared to EGP 27 million in the same period of 2025, a growth rate of 111%. Conversely, the cost-to-net operating income ratio stood at 27% during the first half of 2026.

Total bank assets grew to EGP 270 billion by the end of the first half of 2026, up from approximately EGP 225 billion at the end of 2025, a growth rate of 20%. Net loans and facilities to banks and customers amounted to approximately EGP 147 billion by the end of the first half of 2026, compared to EGP 121 billion at the end of 2025, a growth of approximately 22%. Customer deposits increased to EGP 206 billion by the end of the first half of 2026, up from EGP 180 billion at the end of 2025, a growth rate of 14%.

The ratio of net income from fees and commissions to net operating income reached 11.6% by the end of the first half of 2026, compared to 10.2% in the same period of 2025. The return on average assets stood at 3.4% in the first half of 2026, while the return on average equity reached 26.9% in the same period.

**Strong Operational Performance**

Commenting on the business results, Sheikha Al-Bahar, Deputy CEO of the National Bank of Kuwait Group and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt, stated: “National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt achieved strong operational performance during the first half of 2026, reflecting the solidity of our financial position and the resilience of our business model, which is capable of generating profits and achieving sustainable growth, despite a macroeconomic landscape filled with challenges.”

Al-Bahar emphasized that, amid a global economic environment characterized by accelerating challenges, the bank continues to deliver good performance, driven by balanced growth across its main business segments, supported by a flexible operational strategy.

She confirmed that the continued expansion of the balance sheet and the improvement of most of the bank’s financial indicators attest to the success of the business diversification strategy and the acceleration of digital transformation aimed at increasing the bank’s market share, particularly in retail services in the region’s largest market by population.

She noted that, in line with the Group’s commitment to digital transformation, “Al-Watani” continued to offer a sophisticated digital banking experience, supported by innovative solutions that meet customer aspirations and keep pace with market changes.

Al-Bahar added: “We are working to improve the quality of our services and expand our geographic footprint to reach more diverse customer segments, benefiting from the remarkable progress the bank has made in updating its IT infrastructure and digital channels, which have seen a significant leap, making Al-Watani a strong competitor in the Egyptian market.”

She pointed out: “Egypt represents a key growth market for us and a strategic long-term investment. The growth we are achieving confirms the Group’s visionary approach to this investment, which we aim to develop amid rising demand for banking services and growing financial inclusion rates.”

**Continued Growth**

For his part, Yasser Al-Tayeb, Vice Chairman, CEO, and Managing Director of National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt, said: “There is no clearer evidence than the strong numbers and financial indicators that demonstrated the bank’s ability to continue growing and achieve further good business results during the first half of 2026, despite the operational challenges looming over the business community locally and globally.”

Al-Tayeb noted that the growth of National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt’s business is balanced across all business activities, while maintaining efficiency rates and risk levels appropriate for achieving growth and business sustainability alike, thanks to the prudent policy the bank follows and its sound business model capable of meeting customer needs with complete flexibility.

He added that most of National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt’s income sources come from credit operations through the corporate sector, alongside the retail banking sector, whose role is growing significantly, especially in recent years. The bank’s credit portfolio features a wide diversity of companies it deals with, whether large, medium, or small enterprises. Similarly, the retail banking portfolio includes various customer segments, reflecting the strength and diversity of the bank’s income sources.

He confirmed that the bank seeks to further strengthen its position in the retail banking sector in the coming period by offering advanced services and products tailored to different customer segments, instilling the concept of a comprehensive bank that meets all their financial requirements and needs. The bank also aims to enhance its Islamic banking services to meet the needs of a broad segment of customers, continuously developing the products offered to them. Al-Watani – Egypt is among the leading banks in the Egyptian market providing Islamic banking services and products alongside traditional banking services and products.

Al-Tayeb further stated that, recognizing the pivotal role of technology and digital applications in developing the banking sector and understanding their importance in enhancing the competitiveness of banking institutions and elevating the level of services provided to customers, the bank has keenly moved forward to expand its electronic banking services and invested heavily in this field to ultimately offer customers a unique banking experience that allows them to conduct most of their transactions wherever and whenever they wish. Furthermore, the bank generally seeks to encourage customers to broaden the scope of using electronic means and channels, in alignment with the general policy of the state and the Central Bank of Egypt in this regard. The bank’s recent launch of a new update to its mobile banking app is one of the most important steps in this direction, embodying our continuous commitment to providing the latest digital solutions that meet our customers’ aspirations and keep pace with their evolving banking needs.

Al-Tayeb explained that National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt is striving to support and back the global trend toward sustainable finance and the transition to a green economy, supporting all environmentally friendly projects that achieve sustainability and rely more heavily on renewable energy. It also involves studying available solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and reduce carbon emissions, as sustainable finance has become one of the most important means and tools supporting and maintaining long-term financial stability.