BIL's half-year 2026 results tell a story that goes beyond financial performance.
In a fast-changing environment marked by evolving client expectations, technological disruption and increasing regulatory demands, the bank continued to deliver solid results while advancing the transformation outlined in its Building Tomorrow Together strategy.
Revenues increased to EUR 359 million, Assets under Management reached EUR 50.3 billion, customer deposits grew to EUR 19.2 billion and customer loans rose to EUR 16.8 billion. At the same time, the Bank maintained a net profit of EUR 90 million and further improved its efficiency ratio, demonstrating both resilience and financial discipline.
For Melanie Babb, Chief Financial Officer of BIL, these figures tell a story that goes far beyond the numbers.
Financial performance is important, but what matters just as much is what it enables us to do. Maintaining a strong financial position allows us to invest in our future, support our clients' evolving needs and continue transforming the bank.
A strategy focused on long-term value
In an environment marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and growing regulatory requirements, BIL is pursuing the next phase of its strategic plan, Building Tomorrow Together. The ambition is clear: become a simpler, more agile and more data-driven bank while continuing to deliver value to clients and stakeholders.
For Melanie Babb, finance plays a central role in making that transformation possible.
Transformation requires making choices. As a bank, we must balance short-term performance with long-term investments that will strengthen our business over time. Our role in Finance is to ensure we allocate resources where they can create the greatest value.
Investing in the BIL of tomorrow
One of the most visible examples is the Bank's ongoing technology transformation. Earlier this year, BIL extended its strategic partnership with Kyndryl to further modernise its technology foundations, strengthen cyber resilience and accelerate innovation.
At the same time, the Bank continues to invest in its data capabilities, a critical asset for financial institutions and a cornerstone of its future AI ambitions.
Data is a key driver of decision-making, risk management and client service. But it is also the foundation of our AI strategy. To unlock the full potential of AI, we first need data that is reliable, trusted and well governed. That is why we are investing both in our data capabilities and in the modernisation of our technology platform.
These investments are helping BIL build the technological and data foundations needed to support future growth, accelerate innovation and meet increasingly demanding regulatory expectations while delivering even greater value to clients.
Enhancing the client experience through digital innovation
Transformation is not only happening behind the scenes. It is also reshaping how clients interact with the bank.
Over the past months, BIL has continued to expand and improve its digital banking services, including the launch of digital onboarding for Belgian clients and the deployment of a new mortgage origination platform designed to simplify and accelerate processes.
The bank is also investing in artificial intelligence to enhance both employee productivity and client experience. One example is Berry, BIL's AI-powered assistant, whose capabilities continue to evolve.
Artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities, but its value comes from how we use it. Our objective is not technology for technology's sake. It is about helping colleagues work more efficiently, simplifying processes and ultimately creating a better experience for clients.
These initiatives demonstrate how innovation and financial discipline can work hand in hand says Melanie Babb.
Every investment must support our strategic priorities and contribute to sustainable value creation. Technology, digitalisation and AI are important enablers of our future competitiveness.
Supporting growth across our core markets
Alongside its transformation efforts, BIL continues to invest in growth opportunities across its core businesses and markets. The bank's Wealth Management activity remains a strategic priority, with a particular focus on strengthening its presence in Europe. Following the opening of its Paris branch in 2025, BIL is continuing to develop its capabilities to support private clients, entrepreneurs and families across its target markets.
This growth ambition is supported by a diversified business model, strong capital position and solid liquidity profile, allowing the bank to invest confidently while remaining resilient in a changing environment.
Building tomorrow, today
Looking ahead, Melanie Babb believes the priorities are clear: continue improving efficiency, invest in innovation, strengthen resilience and support sustainable growth. The transformation of BIL is not a one-off project but an ongoing journey requiring constant adaptation and disciplined execution.
The banking industry is evolving rapidly. Client expectations are changing, technology is advancing and the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. Our responsibility is to ensure BIL is prepared for the future while continuing to deliver on our commitments today.
The bank's half-year results show that progress is already underway. Beyond the figures, they reflect a broader ambition: building a stronger, more innovative and more agile BIL for the years ahead.
