SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge: Strong Growth in a Turbulent Market

SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge’s results for the first quarter of 2026 show a pre-tax profit of NOK 924 million. This is NOK 84 million weaker than in the same quarter of 2025. Group CEO Hanne Karoline Kræmer says this about the figures:

– The results are satisfying, particularly given how turbulent the macroeconomic environment has been in 2026.

The CEO highlights growth in the retail banking segment in particular:

– We are in a situation where very few new homes are being built. Nevertheless, 12‑month growth in the retail market is as high as 8.7 percent. This means that we are not only defending our position as market leader but strengthening it. The corresponding growth in the corporate market is 5.4 percent. It is encouraging that the growth in the first quarter alone was 3.4 percent, following a year of low growth throughout 2025. In other words, the trend is clearly upward, says Kræmer.

The CEO is satisfied with both return on equity and low loan losses and also points to a solid capital position:

– Losses remain very low, as they have in recent years. Return on equity, at 14.9 percent, is well above our target, and we have the capital needed to support further growth. All of this is in line with our plan. What we do not control are the framework conditions for business and industry in the north – and that is precisely where I have some concerns.

Kræmer points to a preparedness situation she considers unsatisfactory, as well as a lack of willingness to upgrade infrastructure in Northern Norway:

– When Statnett issues a press release warning of power outages for Northern Norwegian industry due to insufficient grid capacity, this is a symptom that something is not right. We have addressed this through opinion pieces in the media and are now choosing to take a clearer position in order to highlight the need for investments in Northern Norwegian infrastructure. Investments in the north can rightly be described as revenue‑generating expenditures for the Norwegian nation and are also necessary to uphold our sovereignty. This must be taken seriously, but I do not feel we are being heard to a sufficient extent. As a bank, we depend on a healthy Northern Norwegian business sector. Preparedness and infrastructure are therefore decisive.

The Group is prepared to take its share of responsibility:

– SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge is in the fortunate position of having Samfunnsløftet, which, if used wisely, can contribute significantly to the region. We will now direct a larger share of these funds towards societal security. It should not be necessary – but it is. We will step in where we can, but we also expect the authorities to take concrete and effective action, says Kræmer.

Key Figures: • Pre-tax profit: NOK 924 million (1,008) • Return on equity: 14.9% (17.2%) • Cost-to-income ratio: 35.3% (31.6%) • Loan losses: NOK 24 million (57) • Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio: 16.5% (16.3%) (Comparable figures for 2025 in brackets)

Contacts at SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge: • Group CEO: Hanne Karoline Kræmer, tel. +47 414 70 483 • EVP Group Finance: Bengt Olsen, tel. +47 975 89 560 • Head of Communications: Morten Tønder Albertsen, tel. +47 901 21 173

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange announcement was published by Morten Tønder Albertsen, Head of Communications at SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, on May 7, 2026 at 07:30 CET.