By March 31, Bulgarian banks reported earnings of EUR 490 million, marking a 7.7% increase year-over-year, according to the Bulgarian National Bank. The banking system’s balance-sheet equity reached EUR 15.1 billion, representing a 0.5% rise from the end of December 2025. However, impairment charges accrued on financial assets totaled EUR 149 million at the end of March, a notable increase from EUR 64 million in the corresponding period of 2025.
In the first quarter of 2026, the banking system’s total assets amounted to EUR 119.5 billion, an increase of 0.3%. Liquidity remained strong, with the liquidity coverage ratio at the end of March recorded at 278.6%. Regarding lending, total gross loans and advances stood at EUR 79.3 billion, up 7% month-on-month.
The overall gross loan portfolio increased by 4% to EUR 67.6 billion. Loan distribution showed growth across sectors, with household loans rising to EUR 1.2 billion, and loans to the general government sector increasing to EUR 254 million. On the funding side, total deposits reached EUR 99.8 billion at the end of the month, up 2.5% from
Topics: #eur #million #end
The 7.7% profit increase is encouraging, but the mention of impairment charges warrants closer attention.