CrediaBank reported record financial results for the first half of 2026, driven by strong lending growth, higher recurring revenues and improved operational efficiency, while saying it remains well positioned to complete its planned acquisition of a majority stake in HSBC Bank Malta, subject to regulatory approvals.
In a statement, CrediaBank said that the lender posted recurring operating profit of €53.6 million for the six months ended June 30, up 45% from the same period a year earlier. Recurring profit before tax also rose 45% year-on-year to €40.1 million, supported by continued credit expansion and growth in fee-based income.
CrediaBank reached a new high in lending activity during the first half, with €2 billion in new loan disbursements, a 26% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Net credit expansion rose 55% year-on-year to €841 million, while gross loans increased 39% to €5.3 billion.
The bank's total assets grew 20% year-on-year to €9.6 billion, while customer deposits increased 16% to €7.6 billion, supporting a loan-to-deposit ratio of 70% and a liquidity coverage ratio of 145%.
Revenue growth continued across the bank's core businesses. Net interest income increased 26% year-on-year to €98.2 million, while net fee and commission income rose 34% to €22.7 million during the first half.
CrediaBank also reported further improvements in efficiency and asset quality. Its cost-to-recurring income ratio fell to 58.9%, down 772 basis points from a year earlier. The non-performing exposure (NPE) ratio declined to 2.4%, its lowest level to date, while the NPE coverage ratio improved to 57.1%.
Capital levels remained comfortably above regulatory requirements. The bank reported a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 15.5% and a total capital ratio of 20.8%. On a pro forma basis, including its planned acquisition of Evropi Holdings, the CET1 ratio would increase to 16.7%.
During the first half, CrediaBank completed a €300 million share capital increase and advanced several strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of Evropi Holdings, a Greek property and casualty insurer, and an agreement to acquire a 70% stake in Pantelakis Securities S.A. Both transactions remain subject to corporate and regulatory approvals.
The bank also announced a strategic partnership with BNP Paribas Asset Management to strengthen its wealth management offering and joined the European Investment Bank's Security and Defence Programme to support small and medium-sized enterprises.
CrediaBank said its proposed acquisition of a majority shareholding in HSBC Bank Malta, which is awaiting regulatory approval, is expected to more than double the group's balance sheet, taking total assets above €17 billion, while enhancing profitability.
Chief Executive Officer Eleni Vrettou said the bank's performance reflected continued execution of its growth strategy.
"Looking ahead, we continue to focus on strengthening our customer relationships, supporting the healthy economy, expanding our product and service offering, accelerating our digital transformation and leveraging strategic partnerships and targeted investments," Vrettou said.
She added that the planned entry into the Maltese market would represent an important milestone for the group and create additional value for customers and stakeholders in both Greece and Malta, subject to regulatory approvals.