KBC Group lifts 2026 guidance after strong second-quarter profit and digital gains

KBC Group SA/NV ( (GB:0EYG) ) just unveiled an announcement.

KBC Group reported a strong performance for the second quarter of 2026, with net profit rising to 1.15 billion euros and first-half profit up 9% year-on-year to 1.71 billion euros, driven by higher net interest income, insurance revenues, trading income and fees. The bank-insurer’s loan book grew 3% quarter-on-quarter and 7% year-on-year, while core customer deposits increased, operating expenses remained in line with full-year guidance, and credit quality stayed robust with a low credit cost ratio.

The group maintained a solid balance sheet, posting a fully loaded Basel IV CET1 ratio of 14.4%, strong liquidity metrics and additional risk-weighted asset relief from a new significant risk transfer deal on a corporate loan portfolio. Management raised full-year 2026 guidance for net interest income and total income, confirmed an interim dividend of 1 euro, and highlighted continued progress in digital transformation through its AI assistant Kate and ecosystem platforms like MyMobility and MyHome, which are deepening customer engagement and generating new business opportunities.