The European Banking Authority has published its Risk Dashboard for the second quarter of 2026, confirming that banks across the European Union and European Economic Area maintain strong capital and liquidity positions alongside solid profitability, despite persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical risks.
Capital buffers and liquidity positions remain firm
Supervisory reporting data for the second quarter of 2026 shows that the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio for EU and EEA institutions reached 16.1 per cent. This represents a minor decrease from 16.2 per cent in the prior quarter, driven by an expansion in risk-weighted assets. Banks maintained approximately 430 basis points of headroom above regulatory capital requirements, matching the headroom recorded in the same period last year.
Liquidity indicators remained well above regulatory minimums. The Liquidity Coverage Ratio stood at 158.5 per cent, while the Net Stable Funding Ratio reached 125.7 per cent. Both liquidity metrics were stable on a quarter-on-quarter basis. Within high-quality liquid assets, banks increased their holdings of sovereign bonds by 8.7 per cent during the first half of 2026 while reducing cash balances.
Lending expansion and asset quality performance
Lending activity expanded across the region, though pace varied by country. Loans to households increased by 5.2 per cent year-on-year and 1.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter. Lending to non-financial corporations rose 6.3 per cent compared to the previous year and 1.7 per cent relative to the prior quarter. Geographic divergence persisted, with solid lending growth in several nations alongside modest performance or contraction in others.
Asset quality remained stable across portfolios. The average non-performing loan ratio stood at 1.8 per cent, and the share of Stage 2 loans declined to 8.9 per cent. Direct bank exposures to the technology sector remained limited, accounting for 4 per cent of corporate lending and roughly 1.9 per cent of total client lending, with no indications of asset quality impairment.
Earnings growth and operating efficiency
Annual profitability improved across the sector, with return on equity rising to 11.3 per cent from 10.7 per cent a year earlier. This expansion was driven predominantly by net interest income, supported by loan growth and broader net interest margins, which widened from 1.58 per cent to 1.63 per cent. Net fee and commission income also contributed to earnings growth.
Efficiency gains were reflected in a lower cost-to-income ratio, which decreased from 52.5 per cent to 51.5 per cent on an annual basis as banks kept operating costs broadly stable. Total deposit balances grew by 1.6 per cent, supported by a 2.3 per cent increase in household deposits.
Macroeconomic risks and sector vulnerabilities
Despite favourable funding conditions, supervisors highlighted several risks that require close attention. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertain economic conditions continue to present potential headwinds. Expected interest rate increases could support net interest income but may also elevate operating expenses and credit risk costs.
Elevated asset valuations pose an additional consideration, particularly given the growing scale and concentration of artificial intelligence financing activities across financial markets.
| Metric | Q2 2026 Value | Comparison Period Value |
|---|---|---|
| Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio | 16.1% | 16.2% (Q1 2026) |
| Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) | 158.5% | Stable quarter-on-quarter |
| Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) | 125.7% | Stable quarter-on-quarter |
| Return on Equity (RoE) | 11.3% | 10.7% (Q2 2025) |
| Net Interest Margin | 1.63% | 1.58% (Q2 2025) |
| Non-Performing Loan (NPL) Ratio | 1.8% | Stable across portfolios |
| Cost to Income Ratio | 51.5% | 52.5% (Q2 2025) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EBA Risk Dashboard?
The EBA Risk Dashboard is a quarterly publication by the European Banking Authority that summarizes the main risks, vulnerabilities, and financial indicators of the EU and EEA banking sector using supervisory reporting data.
What was the average capital ratio for EU/EEA banks in Q2 2026?
The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio stood at 16.1 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, providing approximately 430 basis points of headroom above regulatory capital requirements.
How did bank profitability perform in Q2 2026?
Return on equity reached 11.3 per cent in Q2 2026, up from 10.7 per cent a year earlier, driven mainly by net interest income and widening net interest margins.
