Thursday Oct 22, 2026
Thursday Oct 22, 2026
Thursday, 22 October 2026 00:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
National Development Bank PLC (NDB) yesterday said it posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 2.9 billion during the third quarter. Releasing its financial results for the nine months ended 30 September, the bank said it delivered a strong performance during the period, underpinned by the resilience of its core banking franchise, disciplined execution of its strategic priorities, and the strength of its business model, despite the challenges arising from the fraud incident identified in April 2026.
The bank said the final forensic report of the fraud incident identified by the bank confirmed that the final fraud amount was circa Rs. 13.64 billion, compared with circa Rs. 13.58 billion as announced via a Corporate Disclosure on June 26, 2026, following the release of the interim forensic report. The incremental fraud amount has been recognised in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards. The gross impact of the fraud applicable for the 9M ended September 30, 2026 is Rs. 2.6 billion, whilst the applicable amount for the 9M ended September 30, 2025 is Rs. 4.5 billion.
The bank reported an operating profit before taxes on financial services of Rs. 15.1 billion for 9M 2026, after recognising the gross financial impact of the fraud attributable to the period amounting to Rs. 2.6 billion, which related entirely to the quarter ended March 31, 2026. This compares with an operating profit before taxes on financial services of Rs. 10.1 billion for 9M 2025, which has been restated to reflect the applicable fraud impact of Rs. 4.5 billion recognised for that period.
Post-tax profit for 9M 2026 amounted to Rs. 7.7 billion, compared with a restated post-tax profit of Rs. 5.1 billion for 9M 2025, with the net financial impact of the fraud reflected in both periods. Excluding the impact of the fraud, post-tax profit for 9M 2026 would have been Rs. 9.1 billion, compared with Rs. 7.5 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. The bank recorded a post-tax profit of Rs. 2.9 billion in 3Q 2026, compared with Rs. 3.0 billion in 2Q 2026 and Rs. 1.8 billion in 1Q 2026. Excluding the fraud loss, 1Q 2026 post-tax profit would have been Rs. 3.2 billion.
The bank posted net banking revenue of Rs. 32.6 billion, representing a 14.8% increase over the comparative period, driven by the strength of its core banking operations. This performance is reported before taking into account any financial impact arising from the fraud incident.
Supporting this performance, total revenue increased by 10.6% YoY to Rs. 80.6 billion. Net interest income (NII) was Rs. 25.4 billion, with a marginal decline of 2.2% attributable to the prevailing low interest rate environment and the faster pace of deposit repricing. However, the downside of these factors was mitigated through prudent balance sheet management, disciplined pricing strategies, and effective asset and liability management. The resultant net interest margin (NIM) was 3.6%, compared with 4.1% for FY 2025.
Net fee and commission income also expanded by 14.1% to Rs. 6.6 billion, supporting the diversification and resilience of the bank’s revenue mix. Key drivers of net fee and commission income were credit and cards and related services. Other non-fund-based income, comprising gains from trading activities, financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss, de-recognition of financial assets, and other operating income, amounted to Rs. 3.7 billion during 9M 2026 (9M 2025: Rs. 2.6 billion). Other operating income included foreign reserve revaluation gains of Rs. 953 million, up from Rs. 396.8 million in 9M 2025.
Impairment charges on loans and other investments declined by 48.4% year on year to Rs. 3.0 billion, primarily reflecting the bank’s continued focus on asset quality management, enhanced credit underwriting standards, closer monitoring of asset quality and stage migration trends, and strengthened recovery efforts. The impaired loans (Stage 3) to Total Loans Ratio – Net improved to 3.0% as at September 30, 2026 from 3.8% at end-2025, while Stage 3 provision coverage improved to 65.4% from 59.1%.
Total operating expenses for 9M 2026 amounted to Rs. 17.5 billion, including Rs. 2.6 billion recognised under other operating expenses in relation to the fraud. The comparative operating expenses for 9M 2025, inclusive of the fraud-related expense applicable to that period, were Rs. 18.3 billion.
The bank’s total assets grew by 5.3% to Rs. 975.4 billion as at September 30, 2026, after recognising the financial impact of the fraud, compared with a restated asset base of Rs. 926.1 billion as at December 31, 2025. On an unadjusted basis, total assets as at September 30, 2026 would have amounted to Rs. 986.5 billion, compared with Rs. 935.8 billion at end-2025.
Net loans increased to Rs. 599.7 billion from Rs. 593.6 billion as at December 31, 2025, in line with the bank’s loan growth aspirations for the year, while total deposits grew to Rs. 717.5 billion from Rs. 707.2 billion. The bank’s CASA ratio stood at 20.7% as at September 30, 2026, compared with 23.9% at end-2025, reflecting industry-wide pressure on low-cost deposits amid the evolving interest rate environment. Total equity attributable to shareholders amounted to Rs. 82.8 billion, while Group equity stood at Rs. 90.1 billion as at September 30, 2026.
The bank’s liquidity and capital position remained sound throughout the period under review. Liquidity Coverage Ratios (LCR) in rupee and all-currency terms stood at 199.0% and 161.8%, respectively, while the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) was 126.8%. All ratios remained comfortably above the regulatory minimum requirement of 100.0%.
The bank also maintained healthy solvency levels, with Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1)/Tier I Capital and Total Capital Adequacy Ratios (CAR) of 9.5% and 14.8%, respectively, as at September 30, 2026, remaining above applicable regulatory requirements. The corresponding restated ratios as at December 31, 2025 were 11.3% and 14.8%, respectively.
All KPIs for 9M 2026 are presented after incorporating the financial impact of the fraud, with comparative figures similarly restated. Return on Average Equity (ROE) improved to 12.9% for 9M 2026, compared with a restated ROE of 7.5% for FY 2025. Pre-tax Return on Average Assets (ROA) was 2.2%, compared with a restated 1.4% for FY 2025.
Annualised Earnings per Share (EPS) increased to Rs. 24.23 from a restated Rs. 13.83 for FY 2025. At Group level, ROE and EPS stood at 11.8% and Rs. 23.90, respectively, compared with restated FY 2025 figures of 8.4% and Rs. 15.77. Net Asset Value (NAV) per share stood at Rs. 191.48 as at September 30, 2026, compared with a restated Rs. 187.36 as at December 31, 2025. Group NAV per share was Rs. 204.98, compared with a restated Rs. 201.31 at end-2025. The share price closed at Rs. 109.50 (FY 2025: Rs. 141.25).
Director/Chief Executive Officer Kelum Edirisinghe said: “Despite the extraordinary circumstances faced, the bank continues to demonstrate strength and resilience. Our 3Q 2026 performance reflects the disciplined execution of our strategy to recalibrate the balance sheet and pursue measured and sustainable growth in line with our strategic priorities. Ultimately, these results reaffirm the underlying strength and resilience of our franchise. I extend my sincere appreciation to our customers, staff, regulators, shareholders and other stakeholders for their continued trust and confidence in the bank.
With regard to the fraud identified in April 2026, the findings of the final forensic report are generally consistent with matters identified through the bank’s internal investigations. The bank continues to pursue all available avenues for recovery and appropriate legal and internal action, and to implement relevant controls, technology and governance enhancements, while keeping the CBSL updated on the measures being taken.
While the incident has undoubtedly tested the organisation, our collective response has reinforced the strength of our staff and our institution. The commitment, resilience and shared sense of purpose demonstrated across the bank have sharpened our focus on controls, governance and operational excellence. It has reaffirmed that the true strength of the franchise lies not only in how we perform, but also in how we come together, respond and emerge stronger from adversity.
Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the bank’s prospects. Our sound capital and liquidity positions, resilient franchise, talented workforce, technological capabilities and continuously strengthening governance and operational frameworks provide a solid platform from which to pursue the next phase of our growth.
We will remain disciplined in managing risk, capital, liquidity and costs to support measured, responsible and sustainable growth, while deepening customer relationships and leveraging technology to further enhance customer experience and operating efficiency.
As opportunities emerge alongside Sri Lanka’s economic progress, we believe the bank is well positioned to support our customers, contribute to the country’s economic advancement and translate the underlying strength of our franchise into sustainable growth,” Edirisinghe said.
