Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
Bradesco reports higher third-quarter profit and plans cautious lending
Bradesco reported a rise in profit for the third quarter of 2026, but published figures differ: one account says R$7.1 billion, up 14.6% year on year, and another says R$7.4 billion, up 33.5%.
The Brazilian bank said it kept operating expenses under control, helping offset slower growth in income from lending.
Bradesco plans to stay cautious on loans because interest rates are high, the economy is slowing and many borrowers are heavily indebted.
Its loan book reached R$1.15 trillion at the end of September, while the share of loans more than 90 days overdue rose to 4.6%.
The bank increased provisions for expected loan losses by 24.3% from a year earlier, reflecting a reassessment of risk in older loans and growth in its lending.
A R$10 billion capital increase was approved, which Bradesco says will support investment in technology, efficiency and business expansion.
Bradesco reported higher third-quarter profit, but the two reports gave different figures: R$7.1 billion in Folha and R$7.4 billion in UOL.
Folha said profit rose 14.6% from a year earlier, while UOL reported an annual increase of 33.54%.
The bank said it would remain cautious in lending amid high interest rates, economic slowdown and rising payment delays.
Bradesco’s loan portfolio reached R$1.15 trillion at the end of September, up 11% from a year earlier, according to Folha.
The bank also announced a R$10 billion capital increase.
- Who
- Banco Bradesco.
- What
- It reported third-quarter profit growth and said it would maintain caution in lending.
- When
- Third quarter of 2026; results were announced on Thursday, October 22.
- Where
- Brazil. Folha’s report was datelined São Paulo.
- Why
- The bank cited a restrictive credit market, high interest rates, a slowing economy and pressure from late loan payments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bradesco recorded profit and reported a loan portfolio of R$1.15 trillion at the end of September, according to Folha.
The bank released its third-quarter results and announced a R$10 billion capital increase.
- Profit, Folha
- R$7.1 billion; up 14.6% year on year
- Profit, UOL
- R$7.4 billion; up 33.54% year on year
- Loan portfolio
- R$1.15 trillion at the end of September
- Delinquency rate
- 4.6% for loans more than 90 days overdue
- Capital increase
- R$10 billion
3 sources
What people are saying
The credit market is more restricted. Interest rates remain at a high level and the economy is slowing. It is a challenging scenario for everyone. We saw our credit-related revenues grow less, but we managed to offset them with non-credit revenues and good expense control.
Looking ahead, we remain cautious and have a moderate risk appetite, and a firm commitment to continue executing our transformation plan at an accelerated pace.