FBC Holdings remained profitable in the first quarter to March 31, 2026, but at ZiG95,6 million, the improvement was little changed from the ZiG94,5 million achieved in the same period last year.
Performance during the review period was driven by rising customer activity, growing digital adoption and diversified revenue streams.
Total income reached ZiG719,8 million, with funded income contributing ZiG349,4 million, while non-funded income chipped in with ZiG376,2 million.
In a trading update, FBC said the business remained resilient despite lingering global economic uncertainty.
“The operating environment was mixed in the first quarter of 2026,” the group said.
“Persistent geopolitical tensions, trade policy conflicts, elevated interest rates and continued commodity market volatility adversely affected global economic growth prospects.”
However, the group said Zimbabwe’s domestic environment remained relatively stable during the period under review, supported by low inflation and exchange rate stability.
“On the local front, there was relative stability during the period under review, as evidenced by low inflation and stable exchange rates,” FBC noted.
The lender said disciplined fiscal and monetary policies by authorities helped improve economic conditions, with annual ZiG inflation standing at 4,4 percent in March 2026.
FBC said profitability during the quarter was underpinned by higher transaction activity across its businesses.
“FBC Holdings Limited continued to trade profitably during the first quarter of 2026, underpinned by strong customer activity, diversified revenue streams, and prudent balance sheet management,” the group said.
The group added that growth in non-funded income was largely driven by digital banking activity and transaction volumes.
“Non-funded income was driven by higher transaction volumes, a higher digital adoption rate, and continued growth in fees and commissions across the Group’s diversified operations,” FBC said.
Customer deposits closed the quarter at ZiG12,7 billion, reflecting continued confidence in the institution and its banking platforms, while loans and advances stood at ZiG10.4 billion.
FBC said lending continued to focus on productive sectors of the economy, as banks increasingly positioned themselves to support agriculture, mining and infrastructure projects expected to anchor economic growth this year.
Total assets closed the quarter at ZiG21,2 billion, while shareholders’ equity reached ZiG3,9 billion. Strategic borrowings amounting to ZiG2,1 billion also helped strengthen liquidity and funding capacity.
The company said all subsidiaries remained adequately capitalised and compliant with minimum regulatory capital requirements.
During the quarter, FBC Bank received Sustainability Standards Certification Initiative certification from the European Organisation for Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Looking ahead, the group said the outlook for 2026 remained positive despite lingering risks linked to liquidity constraints and commodity price swings.
“The environment presents growth opportunities despite the risks, and the stability will support stronger lending activity, increased deposit mobilization, and improved confidence in the financial services sector,” FBC said.
The financial services group said it would continue focusing on risk management, liquidity management and digital transformation initiatives to strengthen resilience and improve operational efficiency.-herald
