GCB Bank reports 39% profit increase to GH‵629.11m in Q3 2026

GCB Bank PLC has announced a strong financial performance for the third quarter of 2026, recording a profit after tax of GH₵629.11 million. This represents a 39% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. The bank's growth was underpinned by a significant expansion of its balance sheet, with total assets rising by 35% year-on-year to reach GH₵67.62 billion.

The surge in total assets was primarily driven by a robust 78% increase in loans and advances, reflecting a strategic shift in the bank's operations. GCB Bank has moved to prioritize loan growth over investment securities as a core component of its business model. This expansion is also supported by successful deposit mobilization, with customer deposits growing by 34% to GH₵50.78 billion. Consequently, the bank reported a loan-to-deposit ratio of 51%.

While the bank's non-funded income surged by 64% to boost the bottom line, interest income experienced a decline. This dip was attributed to a drop in the average lending rate during the quarter. On the expenditure side, operating expenses rose by 13% on a quarter-on-quarter basis. Despite these rising costs and the pressure on interest income, the bank achieved a Return on Equity of 25%, demonstrating strong capital efficiency and value for shareholders.

The third-quarter results indicate that GCB Bank is successfully navigating a changing interest rate environment by diversifying its income streams and expanding its credit portfolio. The significant growth in loans suggests a commitment to supporting the private sector and the broader economy while maintaining overall profitability. As the bank enters the final quarter of the year, its management appears focused on balancing rapid asset growth with operational efficiency to sustain this momentum.