HSBC Bank Malta plc – Interim Directors’ Statement

HSBC Bank Malta plc announced that during the period 1 July to 14 November, HSBC Bank Malta reported a decline in profit before tax compared with the same period in 2013.

Revenue in the current period was impacted by lower net interest income as a result of the prevailing eurozone interest rate environment, adverse market movements in the yield curve affecting the insurance business and lower one-off items relating to recoveries, bond sales and insurance.

Operating expenses for the period were higher than the same period in 2013, primarily due to an increase in the cost of compliance and regulation. Excluding these items, expenses have been well controlled and are marginally below the same period in 2013. Significant work continues around process re-engineering and driving greater efficiencies in the business.

Loans and advances to customers remain broadly unchanged as new lending was offset by early repayments in the low interest rate environment. Customer deposits increased during the period.

Loan impairments were higher than in the same period in 2013 as a result of lower valuations on properties acting as security and reduced levels of recoveries. 

The European Central Bank (ECB) has published the results of the Comprehensive Assessment exercise undertaken on 130 banks located in 19 member states participating in the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). The results identified no capital shortfalls in HSBC Bank Malta, both in the base line and adverse scenarios. HSBC Bank Malta remains well capitalised and liquid.

To view the official company anouncement, click here.