ArmInfo. In the first half of 2026, Armenia's banking system generated a net profit of AMD 214 billion, exceeding the figure from a year ago by AMD 13.6 billion, or 6.8%. Daniel Azatyan, Chairman of the Union of Banks of Armenia, announced this during a press conference on August 4.
He noted that for the full year 2025, total profit amounted to AMD 421 billion.
Addressing the slowdown in growth rates, he explained: "This is due to the fact that last year's more pronounced growth was built on a smaller base." The UBA head cited geopolitical developments as another contributing factor. "And if we achieve 6–7% profit growth by the end of the year, that will be natural growth. However, the pace could be even higher, given the anticipated surge in lending activity in the second half of the year," Azatyan noted.
Traditional sources of profit, he continued, include interest income (where loans form the primary component). Additionally, rising rates on international markets have enabled banks to place surplus short- term funds at higher yields, generating supplementary income.
According to the Financial Rating of Armenian Banks as of June 30, 2026, compiled by ArmInfo IC, the banking system's net profit for the first half of the current year reached AMD 214.3 billion (USD 582.5 million), with annual growth slowing from 17% to 6.8%. Notably, in the second quarter alone, net profit increased by 7%.
