Bahrain-based investment bank SICO has reported a 48% rise in second-quarter net profit attributable to shareholders which soared to BD2.2 million ($6 million) from BD1.5 million a year earlier helped by higher net investment income and a recovery in market valuations.
Total operating income rose 17% to BD6.7 million in the second quarter, while earnings per share increased to 5.51 Bahraini fils from 3.73 fils.
Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders rose 36% to BD2.3 million.
On the first half performance, SICO said its net profit fell 3% to BD2.8 million, mainly due to lower net fee income. Earnings per share stood at 6.91 fils, compared with 7.15 fils in the first half of 2025.
Net investment income for the first half rose 19% to BD2.5 million, while net fee income fell 10% to BD5 million. Brokerage and other income increased 5% to BD1.63 million.
Assets under management rose 9% to BD3.3 billion at the end of June from BD3.1 billion at the end of 2025, driven by client growth, additional inflows and investment performance.
SICO said its assets under management stood at $8.9 billion at the end of the second quarter, with strong net inflows during the first half mainly into fixed-income strategies.
The company said its SICO GCC Dividends Fund was launched in Saudi Arabia during the second quarter, while its investment banking business secured new mandates.
SICO also said it remained the top broker on Bahrain Bourse by total traded value in the first half, with a 53% market share.
Total assets stood at BD601.9 million at the end of June, up from BD595.4 million at the end of 2025, while equity attributable to shareholders fell 1% to BD75.2 million following payment of a BD3.2 million dividend for 2025 during the second quarter.
Commenting on SICO’s performance for Q2, Abdulla Kamal, Chairman of the Board, said the Group’s performance during the quarter reflects the strength and diversity of the bank's businesses and its ability to navigate market conditions with foresight and a disciplined approach.
"Revenues recovered strongly compared to the first quarter of the year, while we continued to provide our clients with compelling investment opportunities and maintained rigorous risk management amid volatile market conditions. SICO also maintains a highly liquid balance sheet, sound asset quality, and a strong capital base that provides the Group with strategic flexibility. The Board continues to support the Group’s strategy to drive growth and deliver sustainable value to shareholders," he stated.
Group CEO Najla Al Shirawi said: “The positive results and continued growth in our assets under management reflect our clients’ confidence in SICO and the strength of our investment capabilities in a challenging operating environment. Assets under management reached $8.9 billion by the end of the second quarter, supported by strong net inflows during the first half of the year, primarily into our fixed income and equities strategies.
"During the second quarter, SICO Capital launched the SICO GCC Dividends Fund in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further strengthening its position in the Saudi market. Our investment banking business secured new mandates while continuing to progress a number of existing mandates that are expected to be completed this year. SICO also maintained its position as the number one broker on Bahrain Bourse by total traded value during the first half of the year, with a 53% market share," she added.-TradeArabia News Service
