First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has reported a record-breaking performance for the first quarter of 2025, with Group net profit reaching AED5.13 billion, a 23% year-on-year (YoY) increase, and profit before tax climbing 22% to AED6.13 billion. The strong financial results highlight FAB’s robust business momentum, diversified revenue streams, and continued client activity.
Total Group revenue rose 11% YoY to AED8.81 billion, supported by double-digit growth across all segments and a 22% surge in non-interest income, which contributed 43% to Group revenue—reflecting the bank’s ongoing diversification strategy.
FAB’s total assets crossed the AED1.3 trillion milestone for the first time, growing 6% YoY. Loans and deposits also posted healthy growth of 8% and 4% respectively. Net Interest Margin (NIM) improved by 4 basis points quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to 1.97%, while the cost-to-income ratio dropped to 22.3%, compared to 24.0% in Q1 2024.
Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) rose to 20.4%, up from 17.4% a year earlier, aligning with FAB’s medium-term target of over 16%.
“We continue to execute on our strategic priorities capitalising on the growth of the UAE economy and across the international footprint,” said Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB. “We expanded our business in Investment Banking & Markets, Wholesale Banking, Personal, Business, Wealth and Privileged Client Banking, as well as in our international branches. FAB maintains its leading position as the UAE’s global bank with a robust balance sheet and total assets now over AED1.3 trillion.
“Our return on tangible equity increased to 20.4 percent and remains consistently focused on value creation across the cycle. The bank remains well-capitalised, with a strong liquidity and asset quality supporting our long-term resilience.”
Al Rostamani also noted FAB’s ongoing digital transformation, saying the bank is integrating innovation and AI to improve productivity, analytics, and customer experience. Notably, FAB introduced an AI agent to its first board meeting of the year, marking a new step in AI governance engagement.
Investment Banking and Markets saw revenue grow 15% YoY and 22% QoQ, while Wholesale Banking revenue increased 12% YoY, supported by a 13% rise in loans and 18% rise in deposits. The Personal, Business, Wealth and Privileged Client Banking segment posted 11% YoY and 7% QoQ revenue growth, reflecting strong retail momentum and improved customer experience enhanced by AI.
FAB’s international franchise also demonstrated robust expansion, with loans and deposits up 19% and 13% YoY, respectively, driven by balanced growth across geographies.
With this performance, FAB has further solidified its standing as a leading regional financial institution, underpinned by a strong balance sheet and forward-looking strategy.
