NAIROBI, Kenya – Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Group recorded a 37 per cent increase in pre-tax profit to Sh9.8 billion in the first half of 2026, supported by higher revenue and expansion in its loan and deposit portfolios.
The lender’s performance for the six months ended June 2026 reflects continued growth across its regional operations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, alongside increased adoption of digital banking services.
DTB’s top-line revenue rose by 21 per cent, with net interest income increasing 26 per cent and non-interest income growing seven per cent.
Operating costs increased at a slower pace, rising six per cent, while loan provisions climbed 37 per cent during the period.
DTB balance sheet expands
The bank’s total assets increased by more than 10 per cent year-on-year to Sh675 billion, reflecting continued expansion of its balance sheet.
Customer deposits grew by 11 per cent to Sh534 billion, providing a stronger funding base for lending and other banking activities.
Loans and advances rose by 14 per cent to Sh328 billion, pointing to increased credit demand across the markets where DTB operates.
Despite the expansion in lending, the lender reported an improvement in asset quality.
DTB’s non-performing loan ratio declined to 11.6 per cent from 13 per cent, while its specific provision coverage ratio increased significantly from 40.7 per cent to 56.6 per cent.
The bank said the improvement reflected continued efforts to manage credit risk while supporting lending growth.
Digital banking drives customer growth
DTB said its customer base across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda expanded by 44 per cent over the past year to 5.9 million customers.
The growth was attributed to increased customer acquisition, digital banking, targeted lending and stronger deposit mobilisation.
The lender said digital channels have become central to its customer acquisition strategy.
“99% of all new customers acquired over the past year were onboarded through our digital platforms and over 86% of all customer transactions were conducted on our digital channels,” said DTB Finance and Strategy Director Alkarim Jiwa.
Digital lending also remained a key growth area, with DTB disbursing Sh10 billion in digital loans during the first six months of the year.
The loans were extended to retail customers as well as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
DTB targets 100th Kenyan branch
Alongside its digital expansion, DTB is continuing to grow its physical branch network.
DTB Kenya Managing Director Murali Natarajan said the bank plans to open its 100th branch in Kenya by Christmas, taking its overall regional branch network to 163.
The expansion will complement the lender’s digital strategy as it seeks to increase access to banking services while strengthening its presence in key economic sectors.
DTB is expanding its lending and business activities in agriculture, education and public sector agencies, while maintaining its presence in established sectors such as trade, manufacturing, real estate, construction, tourism and transport.
