Deutsche Bank reported its highest-ever profit under CEO Christian Sewing on Wednesday, despite an increase in credit risk provisions and negative currency impacts.
Germany’s largest lender recorded a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.912 billion euros ($2.22 billion) for the quarter.
This compares with 1.775 billion euros in the same period last year.
The result also exceeded analysts’ expectations of 1.768 billion euros.
Investment banking outlook upgraded
The bank also upgraded its revenue outlook for its investment banking division for 2026.
It now expects revenue to be “higher” rather than “slightly higher.”
This signals improved confidence in the division’s performance, despite broader economic and geopolitical risks persisting.
Higher credit loss provisions
Deutsche Bank reported provisions for credit losses of 519 million euros during the quarter.
This is up from 471 million euros a year earlier and above analysts’ expectations of 447 million euros.
The bank said these provisions include an overlay “reflecting macroeconomic uncertainties.”
The increase highlights growing caution within the bank as economic risks rise across regions and sectors.
Strong prior quarter performance supports outlook
Deutsche Bank had also delivered strong results in the fourth quarter of 2025, providing a supportive backdrop to its current performance.
The lender reported net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.3 billion euros ($1.56 billion) for the three months to December, beating analysts’ forecast of 1.12 billion euros.
The better-than-expected earnings were driven by robust performance in its investment banking and asset management divisions, which helped offset slower corporate activity and ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Group revenues for the quarter stood at 7.73 billion euros, broadly in line with the 7.72 billion euros consensus compiled by LSEG.
The bank’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio was 14.2% at the end of the quarter.
This was slightly lower than 14.5% in the third quarter but higher than 13.8% a year earlier, underscoring what the bank described as a solid capital position.
Broader risks weigh on European banks
The results come during a busy earnings week for European banks.
They also mark the first quarter of a new three-year strategic period in which Deutsche Bank aims to meet more ambitious profitability and cost targets.
The operating environment remains complex.
The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted economies and financial markets.
At the same time, concerns about the health of private credit markets have unsettled investors.
Adding to these concerns, analysts at Standard & Poor’s recently warned that risks for European banks are increasing.
These risks include higher inflation, slower economic growth, market volatility, and exposure to vulnerable corporate sectors.
Strong performance amid uncertainty
Despite these headwinds, Deutsche Bank’s better-than-expected profit underscores resilience in its core operations.
The lender has managed to deliver growth while navigating rising provisions and external uncertainties.
The upgraded outlook for its investment banking unit further suggests that management sees continued momentum in key business areas, even as macroeconomic challenges persist.
Overall, the quarter reflects a balance between strong earnings performance and growing caution over future risks.
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