GCC listed banks' results

In this report, KPMG professionals analyze the financial results of 51 listed commercial banks across the GCC, comprising selected leading banks from the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The report summarizes selected financial results and key performance indicators for the year ended 31 December 2025 and compares them with the prior year.

The 2025 edition, titled Resilience in a shifting environment, highlights the sector’s ability to deliver growth and stability amid evolving regional and global conditions.

Key financial trends

Double-digit asset growth
Strong profitability growth
Higher credit provisions, reflecting a cautious risk stance
Stable non-performing loan ratios
Strong capital adequacy levels
Improved returns on equity
Efficiency gains through a lower cost-to-income ratio
Continued investor confidence, reflected in higher share prices

GCC banks have once again demonstrated resilience, navigating margin pressures and broader uncertainty while maintaining stability and supporting economic activity. The sector’s adaptability, disciplined leadership and continued investment in innovation reinforces its role as a key enabler of regional progress. Banks also continue to advance their digital transformation agendas, respond to ESG priorities and explore emerging technologies that are reshaping banking across the region.

Against a backdrop of the recently elevated geopolitical uncertainty, GCC banks are likely to remain focused on resilience, liquidity, capital discipline and risk management, while pursuing measured growth opportunities.

Our key predictions for 2026

Active management of non-performing loans as asset quality comes under pressure
Prudent balance sheet growth, supported by strong sovereign buffers but moderated by geopolitical risks
Healthy net interest margins, with some pressure possible if funding costs increase
Sustained cost discipline to help protect profitability in a more volatile environment
Greater emphasis on ESG as banks continue to align with evolving sustainability priorities, and growing regulatory requirements
Accelerated adoption of AI to improve efficiency and strengthen risk monitoring
Further consolidation as banks seek greater scale and resilience
Growing use of Reg-tech to support compliance and agility in a changing regulatory environment

We hope this report provides useful analysis and pragmatic insights to help banking leaders, investors, and other stakeholders across the region shape strategies and drive the industry forward.