A recent study by Prime Partners Holding on the financial performance of 10 Tunisian banks listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange during the first half of 2026 revealed a mixed picture. Seven banks recorded growth in their net results, while two saw a decline and one shifted from profit to loss. The study, which analyzed the banks' financial data up to June 2026, showed that nine banks experienced an increase in their net banking income, except for the Tunisian Company for Bank, which saw a 10.5% decline.
Among the banks that achieved significant growth, Banque Al-Amana topped the list with a 23.7% increase in net profit, reaching 161.9 million dinars. The National Agricultural Bank followed closely, with a 13.8% rise to 156.3 million dinars, while the Tunisian Bank recorded a 12.5% increase to 95.6 million dinars. Other banks that posted notable growth included the Tunisian Arab International Bank, with a 10.3% increase to 271.4 million dinars, and the Commercial Bank, with a 5.9% rise to 123.1 million dinars.
The study also highlighted that some banks faced challenges, with Banque de l'Habitat experiencing a significant 72% decline in net profit to 15.2 million dinars, despite an 8.7% increase in net banking income to 345.7 million dinars. The Tunisian Company for Bank saw a 59.4% drop in net profit to 9.1 million dinars. Meanwhile, the Arab Bank for Tunisia shifted from a net profit of 2.6 million dinars in the first half of 2025 to a loss of 27.6 million dinars during the same period in 2026.
The study attributed the decline in some banks' performance to increased allocations for loan risk coverage. Banque de l'Habitat, for instance, saw a 83.9% rise in these allocations to 146.7 million dinars, while the Arab Bank for Tunisia increased its provisions from 32.7 million dinars to 68.6 million dinars. These increased allocations had a negative impact on the banks' overall performance.
The study also revealed variations in the loan-to-deposit ratios among the banks. The Tunisian Arab International Bank and the Commercial Bank had relatively low ratios of 57.4% and 57.5%, respectively. In contrast, Banque de l'Habitat and the Tunisian Bank had much higher ratios of 101.4% and 96.8%, respectively. These differences reflect the distinct business strategies and risk appetites of the banks.
Furthermore, the study found that the ratios of classified loans varied significantly among the banks. The National Agricultural Bank had the highest ratio at 21.59%, while Banque Al-Amana and the Tunisian Bank had much lower ratios of 8.70% and 6.49%, respectively. The Union Bancaire pour le Commerce et l'Industrie had a ratio of 5.1%. These disparities may indicate differences in the banks' credit risk management practices.
The mixed financial performance of Tunisian banks in the first half of 2026 highlights the challenges and opportunities in the country's banking sector. As the sector continues to evolve, banks will need to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory requirements. The study's findings provide valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and banking professionals seeking to understand the dynamics of the Tunisian banking industry.
Key points
- Seven Tunisian banks recorded growth in net profits during H1 2026.
- Banque Al-Amana achieved the highest growth in net profit at 23.7%.
- Increased allocations for loan risk coverage affected the performance of some banks.
