The National Bank of Saudi Arabia (SNB), the largest bank in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in terms of assets, announced strong financial results for the fiscal year ending in 2025, recording net profits of SAR 25 billion , compared to profits of SAR 21.2 billion in 2024, representing a remarkable annual growth of 18% .
According to the official statement published by the bank on the Saudi Stock Exchange platform, this outstanding performance is mainly attributed to two key factors: a significant increase in total operating income by 8.8%, and an effective decrease in total operating expenses by 9.4%, reflecting the efficiency of the bank’s strategy in maximizing revenues and controlling costs.
In terms of operational performance, total operating income rose to SAR 39.2 billion. This growth was driven by a 5.2% increase in net income from financing and investments, in addition to a 12.7% increase in net income from banking fees. The bank also saw a 19.7% rise in net foreign exchange income and a significant 31.9% increase in total investment income.
In terms of expense management, the bank successfully reduced total operating expenses to SAR 10.9 billion. This decrease is attributed to a 4.3% reduction in rent and building expenses and a 17.0% decrease in depreciation and amortization costs for property and equipment. The most significant impact came from a 32.2% decrease in other general and administrative expenses, which included reversing a provision no longer required according to applicable accounting standards.
General context and importance of the National Bank of Saudi Arabia
This strong performance comes within the context of the pivotal role played by the National Commercial Bank (NCB) in the national economy. The bank was established as a result of the historic merger between NCB and Samba Financial Group in 2021, creating a banking giant that serves as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's financial sector. NCB plays a vital role in financing major projects related to Saudi Vision 2030 , supporting both the corporate and retail sectors, and promoting financial inclusion in the country.
Economic impacts and future prospects
The National Commercial Bank's record profits not only benefit its shareholders but also serve as a positive indicator of the overall health and strength of the Saudi economy. These results reflect the robust demand for credit and the activity of the private sector, reinforcing confidence in the Kingdom's investment environment. Regionally, these figures solidify the bank's position as one of the largest and strongest banks in the Middle East, enhancing its competitiveness and attracting further foreign investment to the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul). This strong liquidity is expected to contribute to the bank's ability to expand its offerings of innovative financing solutions and support the Kingdom's economic transformation.
