The Ecobank Group has reported an unaudited half-year profit-before-tax increase of 24% to $261 million.

Net revenues went up by 10% to $910 million.

The pan-African bank also recorded a ROTE of 19.5%, TBVPS of 5.09 US cents and Diluted EPS of 0.53 US cents.

The bank’s CEO, Mr Ade Ayeyemi, said: “Our results for the first six months of 2022 reflect not only the benefits of the firm's diversification but also our resilience and capabilities to continue serving our clients and customers in a challenging environment and still generate adequate returns responsibly for our shareholders”.

“As a result, we delivered a return on tangible equity of 19.5%, a record, and increased earnings per share for shareholders by 24% year-on-year”, he noted.

Mr Ayeyemi added: “In addition, profit before tax increased by 24% to $261 million and by 53% if you adjust the increase for the significant depreciation of some of our critical African currencies to the US dollar”.

He continued: "We performed well because of our investments, including in technology, and Ecobankers’ continued dedication to meet customers’ financial needs, despite a challenging operating environment of high inflation, weakening African currencies, worsening government fiscal balances and lowering economic growth”.

“In our Consumer Banking business, pre-tax profits increased 43% on higher deposit margins, loans, and debit card spending. In Corporate and Investment Banking, profits rose 33%, as we gained share in the letters of credit market, payment volumes increased by 43% on Omniplus, and FX volumes grew by 25% as client activity rebounded from the pandemic. In addition, an increase in SME activity and growth in the payment business lifted profits in Commercial Banking by 15%."

"Our investments in technology and digital capabilities have contributed to a reduction in our cost-to-serve. Along with revenue growth, the outcome is our record cost-to-income ratio of 56%”.

“In addition, we increased impairment charges to reflect heightened credit risks. More importantly, we have proactively built central impairment reserves of $206 million, which we can deploy in a stressed credit environment. At the same time, our balance sheet remains liquid and adequately capitalised, providing us the capacity to serve our customers better."

"Our service to our customers and communities, anchored on our vision to advance Africa's economic development and financial integration, is widely recognised. Recently, Euromoney adjudged Ecobank for 2022 – Africa's Best Bank, Africa's Best Digital Bank and Africa's Best Bank for SMEs”.

“These accolades are a testament to our passion for serving clients and customers and our continued investments in technology, processes, and people. I am extremely proud of my colleague Ecobankers and thank them for their diligence. As always, we are passionately working towards realising our vision and remaining the bank that Africa and friends of Africa trust," Mr Ayeyemi noted.