Nations Trust Bank continues resilient performance

Despite the challenging business environment, the Bank continued its planned “K shaped” recovery strategy by increasing the loan portfolio by LKR 20 billion recording an increase of 10% during the quarter. Nations Trust Bank continued to provide working capital loans under the “Saubhagya” scheme introduced by the government to assist customers across all segments.

Understanding the importance of assisting the adversely impacted businesses for their revival and to rebuild of businesses and livelihoods, the bank contributed over LKR 19 billion new credit facilities under its own revival fund “Nations Diriya” scheme which is dedicated to extending financial support to key industries, enabling such businesses to recommence and rebuild their business operations.

Furthermore, the bank also offered special payment relief schemes and repayment plans for the existing borrowers in addition to the Central Bank mandated moratorium schemes with low interest rates and restructured repayment plans for some of the identified industries and businesses segments.

Nations Trust Bank raised $25 million from IFC during the quarter to support Sri Lankan SME businesses with improved access to critical working capital to continue operations and preserve lives and livelihoods. Over the years, IFC-NTB partnership has helped create a promising future for many small businesses across Sri Lanka, opening new markets and opportunities and creating new vistas.

Essential banking services continued to be provided despite some parts of the country being isolated to mitigate a third wave of COVID-19 post Sinhala and Tamil New Year. During these unprecedented times the investments made on digital platforms have assisted all key stakeholders to stay connected and conduct business while ensuring their safety in carrying out day to day banking activity by having access to the bank at their fingertips. In-person meetings were converted to organization-wide virtual meetings adhering to all safety protocols.

PCR and Antigen tests for identified staff were undertaken by the bank at regular intervals ensuring the safety of staff and customers. Special staff transportation at concessionary rates were arranged during the pandemic for staff to conveniently commute to work as an additional safety measure. The bank ensured all safety protocols are implemented in close consultation with the public health authorities, across the network.

Despite subdued economic conditions due to the pandemic, the group recorded a Profit Before Tax growth of 39% for the 3 months ended 31st March 2021 compared to previous year.

Net Interest Income continued to decline primarily due to the reduction in the market interest rates while interest rate ceilings introduced by the regulator impacted some business portfolios. Yields on loans reduced by 370bps in line with the fall in AWPLR by 350 bps supporting the loan growth and the economic recovery efforts. A reduction in yields in the FIS portfolio, after the profits taken on the high yielding securities, further aggravated the net interest income decline. However, the improvement of CASA ratio to 35% as at end March 2021 from 29% as at end March 2020 helped partially offset the decline in interest margins during the period.

Gains on trading FX increased as a result of FX funding swaps with a higher depreciation of the rupee during the current period in contrast to the depreciation during the same period last year. The bank also benefited with trading profits on its’ fixed income securities portfolio with the fall in market rates.

Suspension or refund of certain charges by the bank, considering the current difficulties faced by customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, negatively impacted the bank’s fee-based income. Cards income declined on account of a decrease in card spend due to changes in customer behavior patterns owing to the restrictions in mobility and overseas travel. A drop in discretionary spend was visible due to these phenomena. However, a positive trend could be seen in Trade Finance related income with the increase in some of the Trade Finance related activities. (NTB)