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By Isaac OGANGA
Family Bank Group has posted a KES. 2.32 billion Profit Before Tax in the first six months of 2024. This is a remarkable 15.4% increase compared to KES 2.0 billion registered in the same period in 2023.
The growth in profitability was mainly driven by an increase in the bank’s revenues amid a tough operating environment.
Total assets increased by 19.2% to KES. 158.3 billion up from KES 132.8 billion in June 2023. The growth was funded through deposits which increased by 18% from KES 100.8 billion to KES 119 billion.
With the additional liquidity, the Bank continued to support the customers with additional lending which saw the loans and advances increase to KES 91.4 billion from KES 86.5 billion in June 2023.
With the muted demand of credit from customers due to the prevailing macroeconomics, the Bank invested the available liquidity in government securities which saw this investment class increase by 69% to KES 41.9 billion from KES 24.8 billion.
Interest income grew by 26.1% driven by the growth in the loan book and the additional investments in government securities.
Net Interest income increased by a 12.7% to close at KES. 4.9 billion. This growth was muted by the higher cost of funding witnessed during the period which saw a 46% increase in interest expense in line with the high cost of funding witnessed in the first half of 2024.
The Group’s income diversification strategy proved successful with non – funded income rising notably by 20% to KES. 2.3 billion. This was largely driven by the fees and commissions, trade finance and gains from securities trading.
Operating expenses increased by 15% to KES 4.9 billion mainly driven by continued investments in technology, people and digital transformation.
“As a Group, our focus in the first half of the year has been on prudent financial management by strengthening our liquidity position while working on satisfying customer needs.
The performance of this first half is a testament of the Bank’s agility and resilience in the face of enduring market uncertainties.
We continue to prioritise building scalable infrastructure to continue supporting the significant balance sheet growth we have experienced over the last few years.” said Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau.
The Bank’s total capital and liquidity ratios remained strong, and well above the regulatory requirement with total capital ratio closing at 16.6% against 14.5% and liquidity ratio closing at 42.2% against 20%.
Financial Fortune is a digital financial news website and print business magazine published in Nairobi by Fortune & Transit Publishers Ltd and covers the financial services sector through news, views and extensive people coverage since 2018.