Nordea Reports Strong Second Quarter as Assets Under Management Hit Record

The bank’s performance reflects a resilient business model despite market volatility linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Operating profit climbed 1% to EUR 1.6bn, while earnings per share reached EUR 0.36, marking a 3% increase year-on-year. Nordea’s growth was particularly evident in its lending divisions, where corporate lending surged 9% and mortgage volumes grew 2% with strong support from the Swedish and Norwegian markets.

A significant milestone for the quarter was the rise in assets under management, which reached a record EUR 505bn, a 16% increase. Credit quality remained robust, with net loan losses at EUR 61m, well below the group’s long-term target. Reflecting this stability, the Board of Directors approved a mid-year dividend of EUR 0.34 per share, payable on 13 August 2026, representing roughly half of the group's net profit for the first half of the year.

Looking ahead, CEO Frank Vang-Jensen maintains a positive outlook, citing increased corporate investment and successful execution of the bank's 2030 strategy. Nordea has updated its full-year guidance, now projecting a cost-to-income ratio between 44% and 45%, while reaffirming its commitment to a return on equity exceeding 15%.