Hibret Bank has reported pre-tax profit of 5.46 billion Birr for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, up 4.71 billion Birr from the prior year, according to the Board of Directors' report presented at its 21st Regular and 5th Emergency General Assembly.

Board Chairman Mesfin Tesema attributed the result to three factors: expansion of the revenue base across interest income, foreign exchange earnings, and fee-based services; improved operational efficiency in the bank's core operating cycle; and disciplined cost and revenue administration.

Mesfin said the bank absorbed the impact of foreign exchange liberalization and returned swiftly to profitability, an outcome he said "confirms the bank's reliable strength."

Total deposits reached 124 billion Birr, up 31.3 billion Birr, or 33.8 percent, year-on-year. Total loans, including interest-free services, grew 20.17 billion Birr, or 25.43 percent, to 99.49 billion Birr.

Total assets rose 36.70 billion Birr, or 22.22 percent, to 150.63 billion Birr. Total capital grew 37.96 percent, or 4.66 billion Birr, to 16.95 billion Birr.

Foreign exchange generation reached 433.3 million US dollars, up 133.24 million US dollars over the comparable period. The non-performing loan ratio was held below the ceiling set by the National Bank of Ethiopia.

Against this backdrop, the Board urged shareholders to complete payment for unpaid shares. It said the increase is needed both to satisfy the National Bank's new risk-based capital adequacy directive and to support the bank's expanding asset base.

The Chairman characterized the paid-up capital increase as "an obligation," rather than an option, for sustaining growth. The capital initiative is closely linked to the bank's headquarters expansion.

Legal permits and documentation have been secured, and design work has been completed and is under review. Excavation is underway following the laying of the foundation stone. The Chairman described the project as "a great legacy that will be passed on to generations."

Hibret Bank also became the first bank in the country to obtain ISO 27001 certification in information security, maintaining the standard through regular quality audits during the fiscal year.

The Board held 28 meetings during the fiscal year, while its four sub-committees convened 48 times. Board-member compensation amounted to 2.98 million Birr in monthly allowances and annual service payments.

Loans registered in the names of Board members totaled 3.8 million Birr and were confirmed to be performing. No guarantees were registered in the names of Board members or the Chief Executive Officer. The bank also contributed 46.7 million Birr to selected charitable organizations.