How much is the ZKB record payout and who benefits?

Zürcher Kantonalbank will distribute CHF 581 million, a record amount, to the Canton of Zurich and its municipalities. The funds support public budgets and community services. For residents and businesses, this return can ease fiscal pressure while the bank continues to invest and lend in the regional economy.

What drove ZKB’s 10.8% profit growth in 2025?

Fee and commission income plus trading gains offset pressure from the SNB’s zero‑rate environment. Costs remained controlled and client activity stayed healthy. One‑off items near CHF 90 million from an Austria unit sale and lower provisions also lifted reported profit, setting a higher comparison base for 2026.

Did the CEO confirm any credit tightness in Switzerland?

No. CEO Urs Baumann said there is no credit crunch. He pointed to stable lending flows and normal client demand. This view suggests predictable access to mortgages and corporate loans, supported by ZKB’s strong capital position and careful risk management across the Zurich region.

How should investors view 2026 after the strong 2025?

Focus on core earnings. Strip out the roughly CHF 90 million in one‑offs to gauge the run‑rate. Watch fee momentum, trading volumes, credit quality, and costs. If these hold up, ZKB can sustain distributions. If activity slows, payout growth may moderate from the 2025 level.

Global Market Insights

February 7: ZKB Record Payout, 2025 Profit +10.8%; CEO: No Credit Crunch

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 7, 2026February 7, 2026

ZKB record payout headlines a strong 2025. Zürcher Kantonalbank reported net profit of CHF 1.24 billion, up 10.8%, with fee and trading income offsetting SNB zero‑rate pressure. The bank will distribute CHF 581 million to the canton and municipalities. CEO Urs Baumann said there is no credit crunch and pointed to a CET1 ratio of 21.2%. One‑off gains near CHF 90 million, including an Austria unit sale and lower provisions, lift the base for 2025 and set a tougher bar for 2026.