Belgian bank CEO warns higher taxes would jeopardize sector amid record profits

BNP Paribas Fortis CEO Michaël Anseeuw argues that additional taxes on banks would endanger the sector, noting that since 2019 the financial sector has paid as much to shareholders as to the Belgian state. This comes as Belgian banks report strong H1 2026 profits driven by rising interest margins, with KBC net profit up nearly 10% to €1.7bn and Belfius collecting €521m. The statement signals a preemptive pushback against potential government tax hikes, a politically sensitive issue in Belgium.