EBL reports 28pc profit growth in Q1 2026

Dhaka : Eastern Bank PLC reported a 28 percent year-on-year growth 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 rose to BDT 199 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to BDT 155 crore in the same period last year. Earnings per share increased to BDT 1.24 from BDT 0.97.

Investment income grew 24 percent to BDT 478 crore, while foreign exchange income surged 54 percent to BDT 57 crore, supported by stronger trade flows and card transactions.

EBL maintained solid asset quality, with its standalone non-performing loan ratio standing at 2.80 percent, well below the industry average.

The bank's Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio remained strong at 16.71 percent, above the regulatory requirement of 12.5 percent. Total deposits grew 20 percent year-on-year to BDT 56,207 crore, while standalone total assets increased 17 percent to BDT 76,961 crore.

EBL also retained its highest domestic credit ratings - AAA for long-term and ST-1 for short-term - from Credit Rating Agency of Bangladesh Limited for the third consecutive year.