Adjusted EPS and Operating Profit Growth
Adjusted earnings per share increased by 4.8%. Adjusted operating profit rose 3.4% from GBP 920m to GBP 951m, supported by total revenue growth of 4.2%.
Strong FUM / Wealth Momentum
Funds under management grew 15.4% (10.5% in neutral currency) with strong net inflows; a Swiss bolt-on added just over GBP 300m of AUM. Wealth & Investment AUM/FUM reported ZAR 609.6bn, up 9.8%.
Non-Interest Income Expansion
Non-interest income grew 13.6%, driven by increased client activity, realizations and fee generation across businesses.
Loan and Deposit Growth and Client Trust
Management reported high-teens increases in loans and advances and deposits across the group, with core loans up c.9.6% and private client lending in SA and UK >10%, indicating strong client engagement.
Capital, NAV and Returns Progress
Net asset value increased ~8.3% year-on-year; tangible net asset value up 9.2% to 553.1p. Return on equity reported at 13.6% (like-for-like ~1.2% higher vs prior comparable years).
Cost-to-Income and Investment Discipline
Group cost-to-income ratio was 52.9%, inside the guided band of 52%–54% despite a heightened investment phase; operating costs increased 4.7% as planned investments proceed.
Completed Share Buyback and Dividend Increase
Completed announced buyback of ~GBP 110m (ZAR ~2.5bn). Final dividend declared — total dividend for the year 38.5p, up 5.5% year-on-year.
Technology Modernization Progress
Cloud modernization reached 58% (up from 48% prior year) and IT spend was GBP 246m (≈20% of cost base). Management plans GBP 282m of platform investment (2025–2028) to drive future efficiency and revenue from FY2028.
Asset Quality Remains Solid
Group credit loss ratio improved slightly from 38bps to 36bps; South Africa credit loss ratio low at 14bps (from 15bps). Management reports no alarming deterioration in staging trends.
Wealth & Investment Operational Achievements
Rathbones contribution grew strongly (group share +17%); achieved GBP 76m of synergies in the Rathbones combination, ahead of original expectations.