Citizens Bank shows cont’d growth with a $1.34B profit after 6 months

Citizens Bank Guyana Inc. has delivered a solid financial performance for the first six months of the 2026 fiscal year, which, according to Chairman Clifford Reis, reflects the financial institution’s continued balance sheet growth and improved earnings.

Profit after taxation for the period ended March 31, 2026, was $1,340.7 million, compared to $1,199.4 million for the corresponding period in 2025, representing an increase of $141.3 million, or 12.0 per cent.

The bank’s interest income for the six-month period totalled $3.5 billion, while interest expense amounted to $208.2 million, resulting in net interest income of $3.3 billion, compared to $2.9 billion for the prior period.

Other income of $615.2 million contributed to total net income before non-interest expenses of $3.9 billion, an increase of $355.6 million, or 10.0 per cent, over the corresponding period last year.

Moreover, operating expenses were $1.5 billion, reflecting a 7.0 per cent increase year-over-year, primarily attributable to higher personnel costs and inflationary pressures on goods and services. Net impairment on financial assets totalled $97.2 million, consistent with the bank’s prudent approach to credit risk management.

The Bank’s financial position remains robust. Net loans and advances increased to $71.8 billion at March 31, 2026, from $62.8 billion at March 31, 2025, evidencing continued expansion in the lending portfolio. Net investments stood at $48.1 billion, compared to $46.2 billion in the prior year, while total deposits grew to $130.1 billion, up from $118.9 billion, reflecting sustained customer confidence and strong liquidity.

Additionally, the bank’s Board of Directors has approved an interim dividend of $2.50 per share, compared to $2.25 per share for the corresponding period in 2025, reflecting a prudent capital management strategy aimed at supporting future growth and preserving balance sheet strength.

Chairman Reis noted that with Guyana’s economy projected to grow by 15.7 per cent in fiscal 2026, driven by continued expansion in the oil sector and sustained growth across non-oil industries, this favourable macroeconomic environment presents significant opportunities for the Bank.

“Citizens Bank Guyana Inc remains well positioned to capitalise on these opportunities and anticipates a satisfactory performance for the remainder of the fiscal year, with a continued focus on enhancing shareholder value,” the Chairman noted.

Reis also used the opportunity to extend appreciation to the bank’s valued customers for their continued support, to the management and staff for their dedication and professionalism, and to the shareholders and fellow directors for their ongoing cooperation and assistance.

Citizens Bank Guyana Inc. is a 51-per cent owned subsidiary of Banks DIH Limited.

Only earlier this month, the Banks DIH Group reported a profit after tax of some $4.113 million recorded for the first half of the 2026 financial year.