The result was underpinned by continued growth in customer business volumes across key segments, despite a challenging market environment.
Operating income rose by 3.1% to RON3.31 billion (EUR645 million), driven by the increase in fee and trading income.
The stock of net customer loans granted by Banca Comercială Română (BCR Group) advanced by 9.9% year on year as of 30 June 2026. ⎯ BCR granted new retail loans to individuals and microenterprises totaling 7.3 billion lei in H1 2026.
Operating result increased slightly by 1.6% year on year to RON 2,116 million (EUR 412 million) in H1 2026, supported by higher operating income, partially offset by increased operating expenses.
Net interest income amounted to RON 2,365 million (EUR 460 million) in H1 2026, marginally below the level recorded in H1 2025. This evolution reflects ongoing margin pressure in a highly competitive market.
Net fee and commission income grew by 15.5% year on year to RON 632 million (EUR 123 million) in H1 2026, driven by stronger transactional activity as well as intensified acquisition of insurance and investment products by the customers. This performance highlights the continued relevance of diversified income streams.
General administrative expenses increased by 6.0% compared with H1 2025 to RON 1,199 million (EUR 233 million) in H1 2026, reflecting the impact of inflation, increased VAT and local currency depreciation, together with continued investments in strategic initiatives.
„”The first half of the year has shown us how much it matters, both individually and as a society, to understand what is happening with our finances and with the economy. (…) Looking ahead, we are financing the sectors that can take Romania from an economy that competes on price to one that wins on value,” stated Sergiu Manea, BCR CEO.
The net result from the impairment of financial instruments amounted to RON 352 million (EUR 68 million) in H1 2026, as compared to a provision allocation of RON 104 million (EUR 21 million) in H1 2025. The current result reflects the periodic recalibration of credit risk parameters amid a more challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical context.
BCR specifiestThe loan portfolio quality remained fairly stable, with regular NPL formation, partially offset by recoveries, including proceeds from the sale of a selected unsecured portfolio.
The NPL ratio for BCR Group, calculated according to Erste Group methodology, increased moderately to 2.9% as of June 2026 against December 2025, albeit slightly down vs March 2026 due to targeted NPL management actions. NPL provisioning coverage stood comfortably at 133% as of June 2026.
BCR further digitalized its relationship with clients: 2.38 million active users of the George mobile app and over 1 million BCR retail products sold in H1 2026 directly through George, in a simple and fast digital experience.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)