The Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie (BIAT) confirms its strength at the start of 2025, posting controlled growth in its main business indicators at the end of the first quarter.
With a net banking income (NBI) of 385.1 million dinars, up 4.8% on the same period in 2024, the Bank remains on a positive course in a persistently difficult economic environment.
The NBI for the first quarter of 2025 is based on a balanced structure of several components. The interest margin, traditionally the mainstay of the banking business, amounted to 150.5 million dinars, representing 39% of NBI.
The commission margin amounted to 63.5 million dinars or 16.5% of the total, reflecting the continued dynamism of ancillary banking services.
A significant contribution was also made by income from the securities portfolio (commercial and investment) and financial operations, which reached 171.2 million dinars, or 44.5% of NBI.
This performance reflects the buoyancy of the financial markets and BIAT’s prudent investment strategy.
On the cost side, the Bank recorded a significant increase in operating expenses, which reached 172.8 million dinars, up 16% on the first quarter of 2024. This had an impact on the cost/income ratio, which rose from 40.6% to 44.9% in one year.
However, this ratio remains within a comfort zone, although its increase indicates the need for greater vigilance in controlling costs in the future.
On the commercial front, BIAT continues to strengthen its position. Outstanding deposits amounted to 20,336 million dinars, an increase of 11.4%, supported in particular by a simultaneous increase of 11.2% in sight and savings deposits.
Net loans outstanding reached 12,839 million dinars, up 5.4%, confirming the bank’s commitment to financing the Tunisian economy.
