Bank WIR reports a profit of 11.5 million Swiss francs after six months of the current year. This is lower than the same period last year (13.4 million Swiss francs), which was also influenced by one-off effects. "In a still challenging interest rate environment, we have achieved stable and solid results," comments CEO Matthias Pfeifer on the half-year figures. "Due to our diversification away from purely interest business and further optimised balance sheet structure, we are also optimistic for the full year 2026.
At the end of the first half of 2026, the bank sees a 2.4 percent increase in customer deposits to 4.9 billion Swiss francs. This is due not only to successful savings products but also the consistent expansion of the retail banking business. The multi-award-winning 'Banking Package Top' has significantly contributed to growth; the account/card offering of Bank WIR also surpasses neobanks in these independent comparisons.
In the retail segment, customer loyalty also increases: "Together with VIAC, we offer the full range of everyday banking with account/card, saving, pension planning, investment, and financing at excellent overall conditions," says Matthias Pfeifer. He emphasizes the successful combination of the stability and security of a more than 90-year-old Swiss cooperative bank with the fintech VIAC, regularly awarded for cost and performance. In cooperation with Bank WIR and its pension funds, VIAC offers digital pension and investment solutions.
The strength as a construction and real estate financier - especially as a partner of SMEs and for home financing for the Swiss middle class - is evident in the first half of 2026 in the loans: The volume of mortgage loans can be expanded to 5.1 billion Swiss francs with a higher customer coverage rate.
Diversification reduces dependence on interest business.
The challenging market environment is reflected in the half-year with a lower gross interest result of 36.2 million Swiss francs (-5.7 percent). Thanks to the targeted diversification of income sources, dependence on interest business is less than in the past.
VIAC stands primarily for diversification: its growth is shown, among other things, in commission income from securities and investment business, which rises by almost 37 percent to 7.9 million Swiss francs compared to the previous year. "Based on our ongoing investments in the partnership with VIAC, we expect further strong earnings impulses," says Matthias Pfeifer. In addition, targeted investments are being made in the further development of the offering, which is also reflected in the higher administrative expenses of the bank by mid-year.
The investment volume ('Assets under Management') of VIAC climbs - also supported by positive stock market sentiment - to 7.9 billion Swiss francs as of 30 June; a total of over 166,200 customers actively use the various offers of the fintech.
Financial strength confirmed.
The eligible equity of Bank WIR as of 30 June 2026 is 646.3 million Swiss francs (previous year: 634.3 million Swiss francs). The financial strength is also shown by the leverage ratio: This ratio clearly exceeds the regulatory minimum requirement (8.0 percent for banks in the small bank regime) with 9.1 percent.
The participation certificate of Bank WIR is again trading near its all-time high even after the dividend deduction. "Our capital providers are rewarding the course taken, where we successfully combine stability and dynamism," says Mathias Thurneysen. The general meeting in June approved the distribution of an optional dividend of 11 francs, corresponding to a yield of 2.2 percent. The vast majority of capital providers chose the "Dividend with Reinvestment" option.
Bank WIR sees itself in all customer segments as a partner for the Swiss middle class and also underscores this with the new claim 'Banking with the WIR-feeling.' 'This WIR-feeling is more than a claim to us, it shapes our daily actions,' says Matthias Pfeifer. 'I am all the more delighted that this attitude and our positioning are also reflected in the figures. Rooted in the middle class, inspired by fintechs, and supported by lived values.'
Bank WIR
Volker Strohm
Head of Corporate Communication | Media spokesperson
medien@wir.ch
T 061 277 92 27