BNP Paribas has announced a higher interim dividend after a strong Q2 performance. The French bank, Europe's largest by assets, reported revenue growth of 12% to €14.09 billion, exceeding consensus estimates of €13.545 billion. Corporate and institutional banking led the increase.

Net profit surged by a third to €4.345 billion, ahead of the expected €4.21 billion. The bank’s CET1 ratio rose to 13.0 % at the end of June, underscoring solid capital strength.

On the back of the robust quarter, BNP Paribas will pay an interim dividend of €3.23 per share in September, a rise of nearly a quarter from last year’s payout. The increase includes an exceptional capital gain from a two‑pronged deal that saw the bank raise its stake in Belgian insurer Ageas and sell a stake in AG Insurance to Ageas for €1.9 billion.

The dividend decision reflects the bank’s confidence in continued growth and profitability, reinforced by strong revenue, profit, and capital metrics.