Amaka Obiefuna.

Last year’s report of  Union Bank Plc, show the bank made a profit after tax (PAT) of N15.4billion on gross earnings of ₦126.6 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2016.

Cyril Odu, the Chairman of the bank, who presented the report to shareholders at the 48th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, assured of management commitment to put the bank on steady path of growth.

Compared with a PAT of ₦14.3 billion on gross earnings of ₦117.2 billion in the corresponding period of 2015, this represents a growth of eight percent in net profit and in earnings respectively.

Other highlights of the bank’s financial performance in 2016 show that interest income grew by eight percent to ₦98 billion from ₦90.9 billion in 2015, as a result of growth in the loan book and improved asset yields while non-interest revenue also moved up by nine percent to ₦28.6 billon from ₦26.2 billion in 2015 owing to income from e-business channels.

Operating expenses (OPEX) increased by seven percent to ₦62 billion from ₦57.9 billion in 2015 due to inflationary and devaluation pressures and ongoing investments in the bank’s technology and network infrastructure while gross loans grew by 38 percent to ₦535.8 billion compared to ₦388.8 billion in 2015.

Customer deposits rose by 15 percent to ₦658.4 billion (from ₦570.6 billion in 2015). The growth was led by new product offerings, increased market penetration and improved customer off take.

Other highlights of the report shows: Expanded retail product portfolio with the launch of five new products including UnionBetta, a savings product that allows customers to earn interest while also supporting a charitable cause

• Accelerated customer on-boarding on UnionMobile and UnionOnline with over 380% growth in mobile users and about 50% increase in internet banking users following the launch of new platforms with expanded capabilities in 2016
• More than half of branches across the network have now been upgraded to align with our new brand identity and customer-centred service approach. Over 30 branches were launched in 2016.
• Local and international recognition:

– Ranked No. 9 in Jobberman’s Best Places to Work in Nigeria survey for 2016

– “Most improved bank in retail banking” – Business Day

– “Best Bank to Support Nigeria’s Small and Medium Scale Enterprises” – Business Day

– “Best Brand Development to Reflect Changed Mission / Vision / Positioning” – Transform Awards MENA

– “Best Visual Identity from the Financial Services Sector” – Transform Awards MENA

MD/CEO’s Comment

Speaking on the Group’s results for the year, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Emeka Emuwa said: “In 2016, we focused on executing our priorities across all our business segments, especially in the retail space, with an aggressive strategy to increase adoption of our alternate channels. Our success in this area, along with improved core interest earnings, contributed to pre-tax profit growth of 6 per cent compared to 2015.

Our research-led, customer-centred product development strategy, coupled with an upskilled sales force and targeted marketing campaigns boosted our customer deposit base by 15 per cent compared to 2015, and led to a 73 per cent increase in new-to-bank customers.

While the operating environment remains a challenge, we are focused on our 2017 priorities which include raising Tier 1 capital to execute our growth agenda across our retail, commercial and corporate businesses, particularly transaction banking and value chain.

2017 Rights Issue

Following approvals from shareholders, Union Bank will launch a rights issue in the second quarter of 2017 to raise up to Fifty Billion Naira (N50 billion) in Tier 1 capital as it looks to accelerate business growth and position as a leading commercial bank in Nigeria. The additional funding will also allow the bank to maintain compliance with regulatory capital requirements.