The Nidwaldner Kantonalbank (NKB) looks back on a successful first half-year. With an operating profit of CHF 16.3 million, the bank reports a pleasing half-year result. While investment business grew significantly again, the financing business also remained at a high level despite a challenging market environment with geopolitical uncertainties and a changing interest rate environment. Personal advice, high professional competence of the employees and close ties to the region continue to form the basis for the great trust customers place in NKB.
'I have been able to experience a bank in the past weeks that is very solidly positioned. The positive half-year result is the achievement of our dedicated employees and the management under the leadership of my predecessor Heinrich Leuthard. I am grateful for this position. Together, we will continue the successful development of NKB with continuity and foresight,' says Urs Pfluger, the new CEO.
Securities and custody volumes as well as customer funds have grown significantly.
The securities and investment business, as well as customer funds, experienced strong growth in the first half-year. The custody assets increased due to a positive net new money inflow by CHF 180.6 million to CHF 3,405.9 million (+7.9%). Customer funds increased by CHF 353.5 million to CHF 4,492.7 million (+8.5%). This underscores the high level of trust that customers place in NKB's advisory and investment competence.
Stable financing business
The financing business also continued its positive development. Despite the challenging regional real estate market and the changing interest rate environment, customer loans have increased by CHF 87.5 million (+1.6%) since the beginning of the year, highlighting NKB's role as a reliable financing partner.
Net profit of CHF 7.2 million
After forming reserves for general banking risks, a net profit of CHF 7.2 million (-2.1%) is achieved. Equity amounts to CHF 576.7 million after profit allocation (CHF 567.4 million as of December 31, 2025).
New strategy period: Proven strengths as a foundation for the future
With the completion of the 'Uisblick' strategy period from 2022-2026, a successful phase of development ends for NKB. Over the past years, the bank has deliberately further developed its sales organisation, continuously expanded its digital offerings, introduced new services and products, and gradually rebuilt and modernised its branches. At the same time, it has consistently strengthened its personal advice and regional anchoring.
The development of the new corporate strategy has already begun and is being carried out in close cooperation with the new CEO, Urs Pfluger. NKB builds on the proven strengths of recent years and remains true to its values and identity as a regionally anchored, customer-oriented bank. 'With the strategy 'Uisblick', we have laid important foundations for the future. Now it is a matter of further developing this path together with Urs Pfluger. The new strategy will combine proven elements with new impulses while remaining true to NKB's values,' says Daniel Bieri, President of the Board of Directors.
Urs Pfluger officially appointed as the new CEO of NKB
After more than 13 years at the helm of NKB, Heinrich Leuthard retired at the end of June 2026. As early as December 2025, the bank announced that Urs Pfluger would succeed him. The 55-year-old has been the Chief Market Officer (CMO) and a member of the Executive Board of Baloise Bank AG in Solothurn since 2007. In this role, he was responsible for nationwide sales in the banking business, led various strategic flagship projects and was Deputy CEO. As of July 1, 2026, Urs Pfluger has officially started his role as CEO.
Changes in the Executive Board and the Board of Directors
In May, the Board of Directors appointed Mauro Eicher as Head of the Corporate Center and thus as a member of the Executive Board. The 55-year- old from Central Switzerland takes over the role from Nicole Lüthy, who left the bank at the end of June 2026. Mauro Eicher will assume his new position on September 1, 2026.
Following the resignation of Board member René Barmettler as of June 30, 2026, the Nidwalden Cantonal Government, as the selection body for the Board of Directors, has appointed Adrian Schürmann as his successor. He took office on July 1, 2026. The remaining members of the Board of Directors have been confirmed.
Reopening of the refurbished branch in Hergiswil
The NKB branch in Hergiswil reopened its doors on July 1, 2026, after eight months of refurbishment. The result is modern, bright premises with a personally supervised reception desk, a spacious 24-hour self-service area, and discreet advisory rooms.
For further questions regarding this media release, we are happy to assist you.
Media contact:
Simon Zumbach
Head of Communications
Phone 041 619 27 75
simon.zumbach@nkb.ch