United Arab Bank P.J.S.C ("UAB" or “the Bank”) reports its Financial Results for the Twelve Months to 31stDecember 2018.
UAB reported aNet Profit of AED77min2018 which represents an increase of 345% compared to 2017as the successful execution of its Transformation Strategypaved the way for a return tosust inable profitability. UAB embarked on its journey to become a safer, stronger and sustainable Bank. Central to this Transformation Strategy were four key pillars: pro-actively deleverage higher risk non-core portfolios; reduce costs; enhance the Bank’s risk and control frameworks; and strengthen key banking fundamentals.
H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Sultan Bin Salem Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said,“The Bank’simproved financial performance in 2018 was the direct result of placing our customers first, which is at the core of the business strategy led by our management team.
We are in a continuous journey of improvement and change, it requires a delicate balance of focus, dedication and constant enhancement of the banking experience we deliver and strengthening of the bank in every dimension to ensure it remains well positioned to deliver sustainable returns.”
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I am pleased to report that our financial performance in 2018 was aided by significant progress within our ‘core’ businesses and a reduction in impairment charges which resulted in recording a significant uplift in Net Profit.
These positive results provide tangible evidence that our revised business model is appropriate with UAB returning to its traditional Corporate Banking roots, complimented by Retail and Treasury propositions.”
Financial Review
The Bank has continued to record significant progress in deleveraging its ‘non-core’ higher risk portfolios as they have been managed down to 1% of Total Loans at the end of 2018.
Total Income recorded AED647m in 2018and it was aided by an increase in Interest Income of 11%in 2018compared to 2017.
The Bank’s liquidity profile remains strong as evidenced by a robust Loan toDeposit Ratio of 91%. Customer Deposits (being 78% of Total Liabilities) have and will continue to represent the Bank’s key source of funds.
The Bank’s Provisions for Credit Losses of AED242mrepresent a healthy reduction of16% compared to 2017supported by prudent risk management and focused reduction in risk weighted assets. Going forward, UAB’s transition to a lower risk model should see these moderate further in the medium term.
OUTLOOK
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, concluded, “As we move forward, the focus would be on improving the core business whilst taking into consideration therapidly evolving marketplace environment.”