Bank News
Half-year results — deposits and capital hold firm
Laiki Bank closed the first half of 2026 with its balance sheet in familiar shape: well capitalised, comfortably funded by client deposits, and prudently provisioned. In a half in which policy rates edged lower, the numbers speak to the durability of the franchise rather than to any single quarter's result.
The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio stood at 17.6% at the half-year, ahead of regulatory requirements and broadly stable on the year-end position. The loan-to-deposit ratio remained conservative, reflecting a deposit base that is granular, largely relationship-led and slow to move.
Income normalising, quality intact
Net interest income eased modestly from the highs of the tightening cycle, as expected in a gently falling rate environment, while fee income from wealth management and transaction banking continued to grow. Cost discipline held, and the non-performing exposure ratio remained low.
Liquidity buffers were maintained well above minimum requirements, giving the bank room to support clients through periods of market volatility without reaching for yield in its own book.
Our priorities for the second half are unchanged: protect capital and liquidity, invest in the client relationship, and grow fee-based revenue that is less sensitive to the rate cycle. Stewardship, not scale, remains the measure of the year.
This commentary is provided for information only and does not constitute investment, tax or legal advice. The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise. Figures cited are illustrative for this prototype.