The strong financial results, announced on October 19, 2026, were driven by higher operating income and expanded lending and deposit activities across corporate and retail sectors.
Operating Income Climbs Six Percent on Trading Gains
Total operating income for the nine-month window climbed 6% to reach a higher figure. This growth was supported by a 6% increase in net special commission income, alongside an 8% rise in non-interest income driven by trading gains and dividend revenues.
The institution’s financial disclosures indicated that the year-over-year jump in third-quarter operating income stemmed from increases in special commission income, fee and commission income, trading income, and foreign exchange gains, which were partially offset by a minor decline in gains from non-trading investments.
Total special commission income from financing and investments during the nine-month period rose by 4.9%, compared to the prior year’s comparable timeframe.
Total Assets Reach 338.6 Billion Riyals in September
The bank’s balance sheet showed broad expansion at the close of September 2026. Total assets grew 7.5% year-over-year to 338.6 billion riyals, compared to assets at the end of the corresponding period in 2025. Loans and advances advanced 6.9% to reach 230.4 billion riyals. Meanwhile, customer deposits climbed 9.3% to 203.2 billion riyals. Total investments also expanded by 10.9% to reach 73 billion riyals.
Total equity attributable to shareholders, after excluding non-controlling interests, stood at the end of September 2026, compared to the end of September 2025. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine-month period rose to 1.62 riyals, up from 1.53 riyals in the prior year.
Operating expenses rose alongside revenue. Total operating expenses before credit loss provisions and other losses for the first nine months increased 6.9% to 2.773 billion riyals, reflecting higher staff costs, general and administrative expenses, and depreciation. Total operating expenses for the third quarter alone rose 9.7% year-over-year, driven by increases in employee salaries and related expenses, general and administrative costs, and other operational expenditures.
Net provisions for expected credit losses and other impairments also increased, rising 4.3% for the nine-month period, up from the comparative period.
The bank noted that the external auditor’s report contained an unmodified opinion, with no observations, qualifications, or matters requiring emphasis.
Chief Executive Notes Steady Growth in Lending Volumes
Chief Executive Officer Badr Al-Saloom stated that the nine-month performance reflects steady growth in earnings, lending, and deposit volumes while maintaining stable asset quality and cost of risk. He noted that the bank continues to advance its 2030 strategic objectives through service modernization, enhanced client experiences, and investments in operational capabilities.
Badr Al-Saloom stated, Saudi Fransi Bank
Al-Saloom added that the bank aims to sustain its performance through the final quarter of the year, maintaining a focus on business expansion, client support, and cost and risk discipline. During the first nine months, average earning assets grew by 8%, supporting net interest income despite a 5-basis-point drop in net interest margin to 3.01%.
As part of its branch transformation initiative under the 2030 strategy, the bank opened its Al-Muhammadiyah prototype branch in Riyadh during the third quarter, combining personal service with digital and self-service options. The transformation model introduces a comprehensive banking employee structure designed to address a broader range of customer needs and reduce the need for clients to visit multiple service counters.
In the domain of financial technology and cultural engagement, the bank participated in related sector activities and sponsored the Seven and a Palm book in conjunction with Saudi National Day, an initiative that documents the Kingdom’s national emblem and preserves its visual heritage for future generations.
