Month: August 2024

BNF Bank today announced its financial results for the first half of 2024, showcasing a solid financial performance and continued strategic investment in technological advancements. Despite the competitive financial landscape, the Bank has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, achieving a profit before tax of €6.3 million.

BNF Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Mark Micallef, expressed confidence in the Bank’s ongoing progress, highlighting the significant yet manageable investments in digital transformation. He commended the Bank’s achievements in the first half of the year, including the successful implementation of digital customer onboarding and the opening of a new branch at the Campus Hub. Micallef assured customers that they can anticipate further enhancements in the coming months. He emphasized the Bank’s commitment to its core philosophy: BNF Bank’s success is driven by keeping customers at the forefront of everything it does.

Key Highlights of H1 2024:

Profit Before Tax:

€6.3 million, underpinned by robust core revenue streams.

Total Net Operating Income:

Increased to €18.5 million from €18.1 million in June 2023, driven by net interest income alongside net fees, commission income, and gains from net trading and investments.

Investment in Technology:

Operating expenses rose to €12.5 million, reflecting the Bank’s strategic investments in technology to drive digital transformation and enhance customer experiences.

Reduction in Credit Losses:

A reversal of expected credit losses amounting to €0.4 million highlights the Bank’s commitment to maintaining a prudent approach to credit risk management.

Profit After Tax:

€4.3 million, compared to €5.0 million for the first 6 months of 2023.

Strong Financial Position:

As of 30 June 2024, BNF Bank’s total assets grew to €1,277.8 million, compared to €1,236.4 million in December 2023. Loans and advances to customers also increased, reaching €975.2 million from €950.3 million in December 2023. The percentage of credit-impaired loans decreased to 2.5%, underscoring the Bank’s robust credit management practices.

The Bank’s commitment to maintaining a strong liquidity position is evident, with the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) remaining well above regulatory requirements at 195.6% and 138.1%, respectively. The Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 17.4%, well above regulatory requirements and supporting a solid foundation for future growth.

Continued Growth and Innovation:

BNF Bank remains focused on leveraging its strategic investments to deliver innovative solutions and enhance customer service. The Bank’s ongoing commitment to technology and operational excellence positions it well to capture new opportunities and drive sustainable growth.

The Bank’s Condensed Interim Financial Statements for the six-month period ended 30 June 2024 can be accessed online on the Bank’s website.

Bank of Valletta’s first Financial Well-Being Centre officially opened its doors last week, marking a significant milestone in the local financial services sector. The opening was attended by the Bank’s Chairman Dr Gordon Cordina, CEO Kenneth Farrugia, Chief Personal and Wealth Officer Simon Azzopardi and Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius.

The Financial Well-Being Centre, located in St Anne Street Floriana, offers a comprehensive service to both personal and business customers. Services offered include financial planning and budgeting, lending, investments and retirement planning. The service is offered specifically through appointments with dedicated relationship managers or other specialised employees who are experts in their field, offering one-to-one personal meetings in a private space to ensure full client privacy and confidence. Customers will be served at their convenience by the same persons who assist them at their branch; they can also request other experts for specific services.

In his opening address, Kenneth Farrugia, BOV CEO expressed his satisfaction at the Bank’s progress in taking customer experience to the next level. “We are truly pleased to open the Bank’s Financial Well-Being Centre in Floriana,” he said. “This is both a first for BOV and a first for the Maltese islands, in line with our mission to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make sound and informed financial decisions. This new Centre represents a crucial step forward in our customer-centric driven strategy as we focus on taking a holistic approach to the Bank’s service experience.”

Simon Azzopardi, Chief Personal and Wealth Officer continued to expand on the Centre’s holistic approach to customer service. “Our Centre is specifically designed to offer a wide spectrum of services that encompass all that our customers may need at every stage of their financial journey. We truly believe in the financial wellbeing of our customers and this personalised, one-on-one approach will ensure that our clients receive expert advice that will truly help them meet their financial objectives.”

Dr Gordon Cordina, BOV Chairman highlighted the strategic importance of the Centre. “The establishing of this Centre underscores the Bank’s commitment to fostering financial resilience in today’s society. We are intrinsically linked to the Maltese economy and in our 50-year history have been present in the lives of the majority of Maltese. The Bank is ensuring that its physical presence in localities around Malta and Gozo is cemented not only by the traditional branch, but also by other more innovative outlets, making the Bank even more relevant today. This Centre reinforces our aspirations to continue to be leaders and innovators in the financial sector and a catalyst for positive change.”

Customers wishing to discuss their financial circumstances with our team at the new BOV Financial Well-Being Centre can apply online for appointments. Alternatively, they may scan the QR Code available outside the Centre itself to access the booking application on bov.com.