The lender, with a presence across 16 countries including Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, the United Kingdom and the United States, posted headline earnings per share of R26.62 ($1.46) for the year ended on December 31.

Revenue climbed 5% to R109.9 billion ($6 billion), as net interest income, the difference between the amount banks earn from loans and pay on deposits, rose 4% to R71 billion ($3,89 billion), supported by loan growth of 7% and deposit growth of 12%.

Non-interest income increased by 6%.

Credit impairment charges fell 8% to R14.3 billion ($78 million), as customers in its retail business in SA benefited from rate cuts and collection initiatives.

--Reuters--