ASB Half Year Result – Supporting Kiwis’ Financial Wellbeing Through Innovation

Wednesday, 12 February 2020, 10:56 am
Press Release: ASB

Wednesday 12 February 2020

ASB today reported a statutory net profit after taxation (NPAT) of $599 million for the six months ended 31 December 2019. This represents a 5% decrease on the prior comparative period. This included a one-off $28 million loss on the sale of Aegis, its funds administration business.

Cash NPAT was $614 million, flat on the prior comparative period. Cash NPAT presents ASB’s underlying operating results and excludes items that introduce volatility and/or one-off distortions which are not considered representative of ASB’s on-going financial performance[1].

In anticipation of the higher RBNZ capital requirements announced in December 2019, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) invested $2.5bn of capital in the form of ordinary shares to substitute retained earnings in ASB. This provides for a stable form of CET1 capital.

ASB Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt says the result was consistent with a lower growth operating environment. “Against the backdrop of a stable economy, we’re mindful of a cautious business sector and uncertain global outlook,” says Ms Shortt. “A key feature of the past six months has been the low interest rate environment with rates dropping to historical lows, and we’re conscious that, while low interest rates are good news for borrowers, for many of our customers with savings it creates a real challenge.”

Helping our customers in the financial moments that matter most

“We continue to focus on investing in innovation so our customers, our communities and our people can build the financial future they want. We are providing our customers with more access to expert advice and digital tools, to help them make informed decisions for their financial wellbeing. Saving in particular can be a challenge for many people, so our popular Save-the-Change product will be available in our ASB Mobile app by the end of this month, making it easier for people to achieve small saving goals.

“Our heritage of innovation has always been driven by a simple principle - to solve real customer problems. This sits at the heart of ASB, as we embrace rapidly advancing technology to meet increasing and ever-changing expectations from our customers. We remain focused on ensuring our people are empowered to think differently and explore new ways to innovate and better serve our customers.

“A key part of this approach is building strategic relationships with a range of partners, including new start-up organisations which helps us quickly introduce cutting edge innovation to our customers,” says Ms Shortt. “One highlight of this open approach has been the establishment of TradeWindow, which we have taken an equity stake in.

“TradeWindow is an innovative solution that reduces the time, cost and complexity surrounding international trade documentation through distributed ledger technology. With New Zealand being an export-led economy, digitising the trade process helps create a competitive advantage for Kiwi businesses operating in a global market, where traceability and country of origin are becoming increasingly vital as consumers pay more attention to where products are made.”

Building a team fit for New Zealand’s future

“Another area of focus has been our continued investment in our people and our capabilities in key areas. We have been hiring more people than ever before with specialist skills and experience, particularly in areas such as combatting financial and cyber-crime. Over the past 18 months, we have employed an extra 150 people in our financial crime teams. We are committed to keeping New Zealand safe and addressing the growing volume and sophistication of financial crime,” says Ms Shortt.

Over the past six months, ASB has screened more than 960 million transactions to combat money laundering and financial crime. The bank also declined fraudulent activity on over 8,500 customer cards. During the same period, the bank sent more than one million messages via the ASB Mobile app to customers warning them about the latest scams and phishing attacks.

Key performance elements

ASB’s cash net interest margin (NIM) decreased by 10bps (to 213bps) on the prior comparative period. The decline in NIM reflects lower interest rates impacting deposit margins.

ASB’s impairment losses on financial assets (write-offs and funds set aside for bad debts) decreased by 51% (to $22 million). “Credit quality remains sound. In terms of the rural sector, specifically improvements in commodity prices, combined with many rural customers focusing on paying down debt, has seen a marked reduction in rural impairments,” says Ms Shortt.

On a cash basis, ASB’s cost-to-income ratio for the six months ended 31 December 2019 was 36.7%, an increase of 220bps on the prior comparative period. Operating income growth was 1% while operating expenses grew by 7%. “Subdued income growth in a low interest rate environment, combined with our ongoing strategic investments in our people, digital and risk capabilities have impacted our cost-to-income ratio. Ultimately, we believe that these long-term investments will provide a better banking experience for our customers and a safer, more secure New Zealand,” concludes Ms Shortt.
 

Key financial points

• Cash NPAT of $614 million, flat on the prior comparative period

• Statutory NPAT of $599 million, a decrease of 5%

• Cash net interest margin decreased by 10bps to 2.13%

• Advances to customers up 5% to $89 billion

• Customer deposits up 4% to $68 billion

• Impairment losses on financial assets decreased 51% to $22 million

• Continued momentum in funds management with 12% income growth

• Cost to income ratio (cash basis) of 36.7%, an increase of 220bps

• Operating expenses increased 7% (cash basis)

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