Greek banks outpace Europe while many households still feel poor

Greek banks have closed the performance gap with their Euro‑area peers. According to the European Central Bank and the Bank of Greece, loan growth reached 8.73% in Q1 2026, organic profitability hit 4.82%, and the cost‑to‑income ratio fell to 36%, all well above Eurozone averages. Capital buffers remain strong with a CET1 ratio of 14.9% and a liquidity coverage ratio near 190%. Non‑performing loans have declined to a 3.4% exposure ratio, and banks continue to raise funds in international markets, including €1.2 billion in green bonds this year.

At the same time, household wealth in Greece, while rising, remains well below pre‑crisis levels. Average net wealth per household is €117,936, a 23% increase from the post‑war low, yet still 20% under the 2009 peak. Nearly 68% of Greek households report difficulty making ends meet, and about 35% consider themselves poor. The rebound in property and financial assets has mainly benefited wealthier families, while lower‑income households face a growing cost‑of‑living pressure. Inequality measures have improved modestly, with the Gini coefficient falling to 31.6, but the disparity in living standards persists.