Rabobank profit flat as it braces for loan losses

Rabobank made no profit growth in the first half of this year, reporting a net profit of nearly €2.7 billion, the same as in the first six months of 2025, after setting aside €562 million for loans that might not be repaid.

That is more than four times the €136 million it set aside a year earlier, the bank said in its results statement.

Chairman Stefaan Decraene told reporters the provisions related to two cases in South America but declined to name the companies or projects involved, broadcaster NOS reported.

Business in the Netherlands grew. Deposits at the Dutch retail arm stood at €375.1 billion, and lending at €293 billion.

Takeover talk
Decraene said Rabobank was open to buying another bank, telling NOS that scale is becoming more important.

Rabobank also said it will invest up to €2 billion in strengthening its data and IT systems and scaling up its use of artificial intelligence. Reuters reported that the spending will be spread over the next three years.

The bank’s return on equity was 9.5% and its core capital ratio 20.2%, which it said makes it one of the best-capitalised banks in Europe.