NLB Bank and Stopanska Banka report mixed results for first nine months of 2026

Major North Macedonian financial institutions NLB Bank and Stopanska Banka Skopje have reported their financial results for the first nine months of 2026, revealing a shift in the banking sector's profitability trends.

NLB Bank achieved a net profit of 2.53 billion denars (approximately 41 million euros), representing a modest growth of 1% compared to the same period last year. Despite this slight increase in profit, the bank's credit portfolio grew significantly by 18.7%, reaching 111 billion denars.

Stopanska Banka Skopje reported a pre-tax profit of approximately 44.66 million euros (2.75 billion denars), marking an 18% decrease compared to the previous year. The bank attributed this decline primarily to lower interest rates, regulatory and market conditions, and the absence of certain one-time effects experienced in 2025. While net interest income fell by 7%, the bank saw a 38% increase in net income from commissions and fees, partly due to reduced costs through an exclusive card provider partnership. Additionally, increased interest expenses were noted as customers shifted funds from current accounts to term deposits.