Bankinter's total new mortgage lending fell 16% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, driven by a sharp contraction in its domestic Spanish operations.
The decline in home loans issued in Spain contrasts with robust growth in the bank's international footprint, where new mortgage production in Portugal and Ireland rose 19% year-on-year during the first six months of the year.
The diverging trends underscore a strategic shift in the lender's credit portfolio.
While the Spanish mortgage market remains under pressure, Bankinter is expanding its presence in neighboring markets that offer stronger demand dynamics.
The 19% increase in lending volumes in Portugal and Ireland suggests the bank is successfully offsetting domestic weakness with international growth, a move that aligns with broader industry trends of Spanish banks seeking diversification beyond their home market.
This development comes as Bankinter faces regulatory scrutiny in Spain.