Performance review: Banking sector posts hefty growth
During the quarter, asset base of the banking system rose by 3.5% (Rs422 billion) to reach Rs12.5 trillion PHOTO: FILE
The Quarterly Performance Review of the Banking System for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Tuesday highlighted that the banking system posted profits before tax of Rs80 billion over the quarter, indicating a year-on-year growth of 58%.
Accordingly, Return on Assets (ROA) increased to 2.6% from 1.9% in March 2014. Solvency of the system improved further as the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) increased to 17.4% in March 2015 from 17.1% as of end December 2014 (against a local benchmark of 10% and an international benchmark of 8%).
During the quarter, asset base of the banking system rose by 3.5% (Rs422 billion) to reach Rs12.5 trillion. This growth came on account of an increase in banks’ investment in government securities, while advances observed net retirements primarily due to seasonal adjustments and drop in commodity prices.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2015.