Seylan Bank continued its growth momentum, recording a Profit after Income Tax of Rs. 2,828 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This is a 3.6% increase over the Rs. 2,730 million reported for the corresponding period of 2015 and has been achieved despite rising interest rates, the bank said in a press release.
Interest income grew by 33.7% driven by the sustained credit growth achieved by the Bank. Interest expenses increased at a faster pace of 59.5% during the year, thereby compressing margins.
Despite the drop in margins, the bank posted a 7.9% growth in Net Interest income from Rs. 8,850 Million to Rs. 9,552 million for the 9 months ended 30th September 2016 as a result of the strong balance sheet growth, it said.
Net fee and commission income witnessed a 17.8% robust growth from Rs. 1,869 million to Rs. 2,202 million during Q-3 2016 driven by fees from card acquisitions, trade finance and related fees.
Other operating income comprising net gains from trading, gains on financial instruments, gains on foreign exchange and other income decreased by 8.78% from Rs. 1,230 million reported in 2015 to 1,122 million during Q-3 2016 mainly as a result of mark- to-market losses on Government Securities, due to the upward movement in interest rates.
Total expenses recorded a growth of 9.7% from Rs. 6,515 million to Rs. 7,146 million in nine months ended 2016. Expenses growth was fuelled by high proportion of investments being made in technology, continuous development of human resources and product improvements.
The Bank reported a significant net credit growth of 15.01%, with net advances growing from Rs. 193,104 million to Rs. 222,083 million during Q-3 2016. The NPA ratio increased marginally to 5.12% but is expected to improve by year end with strong remedial measures being implemented.
The Bank’s CASA ratio (current and savings accounts) stood at 33.65% amidst the industry-wide shift witnessed towards higher yielding Fixed Deposits. Fixed Deposits increased from 61.98% by end of year 2015 to 64.64% Q-3 2016 of the total deposit base. The overall deposit base recorded a growth of 11.65% from Rs. 224,525 million by end of 2015 to Rs. 250,691 million in Q-3 2016.
The Bank’s core capital and total capital adequacy ratio remained strong at 10.26% and 12.87% respectively as at 30th September 2016, as against the statutory minimum of 5% and 10%.
In July 2016, Fitch affirmed the Bank’s rating at ‘A-lka’ with a ‘stable’ outlook.
Currently the Bank is in the process of formulating a four year strategic plan which will provide the road map to achieve the bank strategic objectives.