Stock Markets February 18, 2026

EFG International posts robust asset inflows but CET1 ratio falls sharply in H2 2025

Strong net new money and cost savings offset P&L volatility; capital ratio weakened by buyback, acquisitions and provisions

By Nina Shah
EFG International posts robust asset inflows but CET1 ratio falls sharply in H2 2025

EFG International reported healthy asset-gathering in the second half of 2025, with CHF5.9 billion of net new money and CHF185 billion of assets under management. However, a CHF59.5 million legal provision and other valuation adjustments drove pre-tax profit below consensus and contributed to a marked decline in the bank's CET1 capital ratio to 14.0%. Management reiterated its 2028 targets and said it is confident in meeting key financial ambitions in 2026.

Key Points

  • EFG reported CHF5.9 billion of net new money in H2 2025, an annualized growth rate of 7.3%, with AuM at CHF185 billion.
  • Pre-tax profit was CHF125 million in H2 2025, 45% below consensus due to higher valuation adjustments and a CHF59.5 million legal provision recorded in December 2025.
  • CET1 capital ratio dropped to 14.0%, down 310 basis points from H1 2025, impacted by the announced share buyback, acquisitions, AT1 mark-to-market currency effects, and new litigation provisions - implications for private banking and broader banking-sector capital metrics.

EFG International delivered mixed H2 2025 results, combining strong client inflows and cost savings with profit-and-loss volatility and a material reduction in regulatory capital ratios.

The Swiss private bank recorded a pre-tax profit of CHF125 million for the second half of 2025, a result that came in 45% below consensus estimates. Management attributed the shortfall entirely to elevated valuation adjustments and provisions, most notably a CHF59.5 million legal provision booked in December 2025 related to a previously disclosed legacy matter.

On the operating front, pre-provision operating profit was reported as being in line with consensus. Net interest income was weaker than expected, coming in 23% below consensus. Conversely, trading and other income beat expectations by 10%, and fees and commissions exceeded consensus by 9%.

Overall, total revenues were 2% above consensus while operating expenses ran 3% higher than anticipated. The bank also highlighted run-rate cost savings of CHF66 million, surpassing its CHF60 million target.

EFG’s asset-collection performance was a clear positive. Net new money (NNM) for H2 2025 amounted to CHF5.9 billion, representing an annualized growth rate of 7.3% and exceeding consensus by CHF0.3 billion. Assets under management stood at CHF185 billion, in line with expectations. The period covering November-December 2025 showed particularly strong NNM at an annualized rate of 6.5%.

The underlying gross margin in H2 2025 was 93 basis points, a decline of 4 basis points relative to the first half of the year. EFG added 44 new client relationship officers (CROs) during the second half, although the total CRO count remained broadly flat after accounting for recent acquisitions.

A notable area of concern was the bank’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio, which fell to 14.0% at the end of H2 2025. This was significantly below consensus and represented a 310 basis point decline from the first half of 2025. Management identified multiple drivers of the decline: the announced share buyback being deducted from CET1, the capital impact of acquisitions, mark-to-market currency effects on AT1 instruments, and the newly recognized litigation provisions.

EFG reconfirmed its 2028 financial targets, which include annual net new money growth of 4-6%, a gross margin above 85 basis points, a cost-income ratio of 68%, and a 20% return on tangible equity. The bank stated it is confident in delivering on these ambitions in 2026.


Analysis summary: The results reflect a dual dynamic: strong commercial momentum in wealth management and demonstrable cost discipline, alongside episodic P&L hits and a meaningful reduction in CET1 capital driven by planned capital measures and provisions. How management prioritizes capital restoration and earnings stability will be central to meeting the stated 2028 targets.

Risks

  • A continued drag from valuation adjustments and litigation provisions could keep reported profits below expectations, affecting investor confidence in the bank's earnings trajectory - this impacts investors and the banking sector.
  • The sharp decline in CET1 ratio creates uncertainty around capital adequacy until the effects of buybacks, acquisitions and currency-marked AT1 impacts are fully assimilated - this poses regulatory and funding considerations for the bank and the broader financial sector.
  • Persistently lower net interest income relative to consensus may pressure margins if the trend continues, influencing profitability in the private banking and wealth management businesses.

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