ABN AMRO Profit Climbs as Wealth Management Assets Surge

The Dutch lender’s financial health improved significantly as return on average equity climbed to 12.1 percent from 9.4 percent a year prior. Operating income rose 13 percent to €2.424 billion, while expenses decreased by 1 percent. Following the completed acquisition of Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe in June, the bank is now focused on integrating IT systems to capture anticipated synergies.

CEO Marguerite Bérard highlighted the bank’s internal transformation, noting that nearly 50 artificial intelligence use cases are currently in production. These initiatives include a generative AI assistant designed to streamline anti-money laundering and know-your-client workflows. Meanwhile, the bank is steadily trimming its workforce; the headcount dropped by 253 full-time roles in the second quarter, bringing the total reduction since 2024 to nearly half of its 2028 target. Reflecting these efficiencies, the bank lowered its full-year 2026 cost guidance to €5.5 billion.