Lion Finance Group PLC (LSE:BGEO) reported a strong first-half performance in 2026, supported by customer growth, expanding digital engagement and higher lending and deposits across its core Georgian and Armenian markets.
Group profit reached GEL 618.8 million in the second quarter and GEL 1,203.8 million for the first half, while return on average equity remained around 27%. Book value per share increased by nearly 25% compared with the same period last year.
Operating income before cost of risk rose almost 20% year on year during the first half. The loan portfolio expanded 23% on a constant-currency basis, while client deposits and notes increased by almost 27%, highlighting continued growth across the group’s banking franchises.
Digital adoption remained an important contributor to the performance. Daily active users in Georgia exceeded 1 million, while Ameriabank recorded strong growth in its retail digital user base. The increased engagement supported further market share gains across both lending and deposits.
Credit quality remained resilient despite the rapid expansion of the loan book. The group maintained a low cost of credit risk, while non-performing loans stood at just above 2%. Net interest margin improved to 6.3%, supported by particularly strong performance in Georgia.
Lion Finance also increased shareholder returns. The board raised the interim dividend and authorised a new GEL 59 million share buyback, supported by what the group described as robust capital and liquidity positions.
Management remains positive about the economic environment in Georgia and Armenia, pointing to resilient growth in both countries and the increasing strategic importance of the Middle Corridor. Higher GDP forecasts could support further financial-sector development, infrastructure investment and demand for banking services.
For Lion Finance, continued digital adoption alongside economic expansion could provide further opportunities to deepen customer relationships and increase market penetration. Maintaining asset quality while sustaining rapid loan and deposit growth will remain important as the group expands.
More about Lion Finance Group PLC
Lion Finance Group PLC is a diversified financial services holding company with its principal operations in Georgia and Armenia.
Its Georgian operations include Bank of Georgia and investment bank Galt & Taggart, while Ameriabank forms the core of its Armenian business. The group also has interests in retail and SME banking in Belarus and operates a Georgian digital ecosystem covering areas including e-commerce and SaaS solutions.
Lion Finance Group shares trade on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol BGEO.
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