First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest lender, has announced it achieved a net profit of Dh4.2 billion ($1.14 billion) in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 6% year-on-year (YoY) growth.
The bank’s revenues rose 18% YoY during the quarter to Dh8.0 billion, propelled by core operational growth, balance sheet expansion, higher net interest margin (NIM), and robust non-funded income (NFI). International operations made up Dh2 billion of the revenues.
The double-digit growth “largely offset the impact of the recently implemented UAE corporate tax”, the company said, stressing that the organisation remained the largest bank in the UAE as of March-end 2024, with total assets at Dh1.24 trillion (US$336 billion), loans at Dgh508 billion and deposits at Dh803 billion, all historical highs.
“FAB continues to deliver robust performance, reflected in double-digit growth in revenue year-on-year, supported by strong business momentum,” said Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of FAB. “We remain focused on accelerating our growth strategy, building efficiencies and delivering sustained shareholder value.
During the period, investment banking revenue grew 26% YoY to Dh2.8 billion, and corporate and commercial banking revenue increased 6% YoY to Dh1.8 billion.
“In 2024, we continue to demonstrate the same strengths that led to our exceptional performance in 2023, with growth in profits and revenues, backed by operational efficiencies and financial resilience,” Al Rostamani added.
In 2023, the bank reported a net profit of Dh16.4 billion in 2023, a 56% increase on an underlying basis after excluding non-recurring gains from subsidiary stake sales.