In an extraordinary year marked by economic expansion and rapid digitalization, Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has solidified its position and emerged as the driving force behind Guyana’s financial momentum, delivering record profits and lending national credit growth across multiple sectors. Through unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation, the bank has positioned itself as a formidable force in the country’s financial progress, setting new benchmarks for performance and shaping the future of banking in Guyana.
Dominating National Lending
According to the Bank of Guyana’s Statistical Abstract (September 2025), total commercial-bank loans and advances across the system stood at approximately G$510 billion, reflecting a 13.8% year-on-year growth from October 2024 to September 2025, an expansion of roughly G$62 billion.
In comparison, Demerara Bank’s loan portfolio surged by 32%, more than double the national average, reaching G$126 billion by the end of the 2025 Financial Year. This equates to an increase of approximately G$31 billion in just one year, demonstrating that DBL accounted for about 50% of all new lending within Guyana’s financial system over the past twelve months.
This extraordinary achievement highlights the Bank’s central role in financing national development and supporting the country’s rapidly expanding economy.
DBL’s impressive lending growth is a testament to its prudent and well-managed expansion, underpinned by a disciplined credit culture and the acquisition of new Tier-One corporate clients; many of whom have transitioned their banking relationships to DBL in recognition of its exceptional customer service, reliability and technologically advanced delivery channels.
The Bank’s branch network has also significantly contributed to retail portfolio diversification, with strong growth across agriculture, residential housing, automobile financing, and credit cards. This balanced approach to corporate and retail lending has ensured sustained portfolio quality and broad-based support for Guyana’s economic development.
By embedding automation, analytics, and digital monitoring into its core operations, the Bank has achieved faster decision-making without compromising credit quality. As a result, DBL has maintained zero non-performing loans (NPLs) for the fourth consecutive year; a distinction unmatched in the local financial sector and a testament to its disciplined lending culture, robust credit governance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“Without DBL’s contribution, overall banking-sector lending would have grown by only 7%,” the Bank’s report highlighted.
Demerara Bank Achieves Record G$8.41 Billion Profit, the Highest in Guyana’s Financial Sector
For the financial year ending September 30, 2025, Demerara Bank Limited recorded a Net Profit After Tax of G$8.41 billion, representing a 50.5% increase over the previous year and an impressive 184.7% growth over the past five years. This performance not only underscores the Bank’s exceptional profitability trajectory and prudent management but also cements Demerara Bank’s position as the most profitable financial institution in Guyana for 2025, achieving the highest net profit among all local financial institutions.
Return on Assets reached 3.8%, and Return on Equity climbed to 24.2%, both well above the local banking sector averages.
Deposits rose 19.5% to G$ 208 billion, while the Bank’s loan book expanded by G$ 31 billion in a single year.
“In just thirty years, Demerara Bank has achieved what no other bank in Guyana has: record profitability, zero NPLs and the strongest growth in national banking history,” the CEO noted.
Efficiency and Innovation
Demerara Bank continues to operate as Guyana’s most efficient financial institution, maintaining a cost-to-income ratio of just 28%, compared with a sector average of roughly 45%. This efficiency is not merely due to cost restraint but rather is a result of exceptional income growth outpacing expenditure; a direct outcome of its digital transformation and technology-driven operating model.
By automating processes, integrating digital platforms, and expanding service delivery through innovation, DBL has enhanced productivity and revenue generation across all business lines. The result is a model of modern banking efficiency, where technology and prudent management combine to deliver sustained profitability without compromising on service quality, investment, or growth.
In 2025, the Bank has also completed several landmark digital integrations, enhancing customer service and demonstrating its commitment to innovation. These integrations position the Bank to support customers with advanced technological solutions. Building on this success, the Bank announced that it will soon launch new platforms, including a mobile banking service. These additions will enrich its suite of services, offering customers a seamless banking experience.
“Our digital-first model enhances customer trust while achieving operational excellence,” stated the Chairman. “It’s the perfect balance between innovation and prudence.”
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