Banrisul ended the fourth quarter of 2025 with an annual net profit of R$1.6 billion, representing an increase of 72.5% compared to the previous year. Fernando Lemos, who has been leading the institution for just over two years, attributes the positive performance to the reformulation of the bank’s portfolio mix, with an emphasis on the growth of legal entities.
During an exclusive interview with CNN MoneyLemos explained that the bank has undergone a significant transformation in its business strategy. “In the path we have followed, I am completing two years or so of my return as president of the bank, and we have carried out a complete reformulation of the portfolio mix, investing more in legal entities, which the bank was a little far away from”, he highlighted. The result was a growth of close to 20% in the corporate portfolio.
Investments in technology and new service model
To sustain growth, the Banrisul invested approximately R$400 million in technology during 2025. “We invested a lot in technology to be able to gain productivity and better products, more within reach of customers, so that they would have more comfort, more appropriate journeys”, explained Lemos. According to him, all of the bank’s applications were remodeled and updated, putting them on the same level as digital banks.
In addition to technological investment, the institution modified its service model, with the specialization of agencies for legal entities and individuals. Currently, the bank has around 16 branches specialized in business service in the main regions of Rio Grande do Sul. “To serve a company is a little different than to serve individuals. Individuals have more standard products and legal entities, you need to have knowledge of the financial flow, of accounts payable”, he explained.
Outlook for 2026
For 2026, Banrisul intends to continue expanding its operations in the segment, where it sees . “Our focus continues to be legal entities, where the bank has great room to grow”, stated Lemos. He mentioned that the bank will also use its acquiring company, Vero, which processed R$51 billion in transactions in 2025, to facilitate relationships with commerce and credit operations.
Lemos also highlighted the expectation of a reduction in the Selic rate from March onwards, which should ease the cost of raising funds and granting credit. “The predictions are that from March onwards the Selic will start to fall, giving it a break, so this also helps us with the cost of raising and placing credit”, he commented. Another positive factor for the bank is the prospect of a good agricultural harvest in Rio Grande do Sul, which could boost the local economy, as around
Even with its strong investment in technology, Banrisul maintains its physical presence as a differentiator, with more than 500 service points. “Our large social network is our employees spread across all our municipalities”, highlighted Lemos, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships with customers, especially in the interior of the state.
