VÚB Bank started the year 2026 strongly
08.05.2026
VÚB Bank, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, began 2026 with very strong business results. It reported a net profit of €97.2 million for the first quarter. Total funding amounted to €18.2 billion. It has thus solidified its stable position among the leaders of the Slovak banking sector.
This growth is driven by a combination of factors—stable revenues, high efficiency, and a high-quality loan portfolio. At the same time, the bank is successfully capitalizing on its strategic shift toward investment advisory and wealth management services, which are increasingly in demand among clients. Trading in financial markets also contributed to the improved results.
“The first months of 2026 confirm that VÚB Bank’s long-term focus on high-quality advisory services and comprehensive financial services holds real value for our clients. We see this in their growing trust and in the fact that they turn to us for key financial decisions,” says Jozef Kausich, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of VÚB Bank.
Growth driven by mortgages and household deposits
VÚB’s loan volume reached 22 billion euros in the first quarter of this year, marking an 8% year-over-year increase. The main driver was the retail segment, particularly mortgages. The bank was thus able to offset the impact of the lower interest rate environment.
A similar trend is evident on the deposit side. Deposits grew by 7.8% year-on-year, primarily due to households increasing their balances in both checking and savings accounts. However, corporate deposits also grew, signaling broader client confidence in the bank.
Efficiency ranks among the best in the market
At the same time, VÚB maintains strong control over costs. The bank’s operating profit reached €128.6 million. The cost-to-income ratio stands at approximately 35.6%, which remains the lowest figure in the sector. Return on equity (ROE) increased by nearly three percentage points.
Strong in investments as well
The investment product management company Eurizon, also part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, contributed to the positive results. Gross investments grew by 5.4% year-over-year. Eurizon holds a leading market position in fund sales and in the volume of assets under management. VÚB is thus strengthening its position in the area of investment services as well.
International recognition
The bank also made a mark outside Slovakia. The American magazine Global Finance once again awarded it the Sustainable Finance Award Central and Eastern Europe for 2026 with Circular Economy Commitment Award for its activities in the field of sustainable finance and support for the circular economy.
“We owe our very strong start to 2026 primarily to our colleagues, who contribute every day to ensuring that VÚB Bank achieves stable results and meets the needs of its clients. We also appreciate the trust of our clients and business partners, without which these results would certainly not have been possible,” adds Jozef Kausich.
