Sidian Bank, a mid-tier bank focusing on SMEs made a consolidated net profit of Ksh 114million as at 31 March 2021 compared to a net loss of KSh7million same period in 2020.
The improved profitability was attributed to increased lending in the period which grew interest income on loans as well as lending fees.
Transactional and channels business also increased in the period enhancing the profitability. Further, loan impairment provisions booked in the quarter were lower by 58 per cent attributed to the improved loan book quality and loan collections.
The impact of the increased incomes was however countered by higher interest expense on customer deposits from customer deposits growth and increased money market borrowings.
The Bank’s balance sheet has largely remained the same at Sh33.4 billion as at 31 March 2021 compared to Sh33.5 billion as at 31 December 2020 with the Bank optimizing the balance sheet to earn higher incomes than last year with the same size of balance sheet.
In the quarter, net loans and advances increased by 8 per cent supported by the high liquidity and in line with the Bank’s strategy to support SMEs growth.
Customer deposits increased by 1 per cent attributed to continued deposits mobilization and customer acquisition across the Bank’s 42 branches as well as increased transactional business from the bank’s customers.
Trade Finance continues to be the flagship product of the Bank, with more SME customers using the Bank’s online bid bond platform, Sidian Credible.
ChegeThumbi, the Bank’s CEO noted, “As a Bank, we are pleased with this performance as it confirms that our growth is on an upward trajectory. We are especially grateful to our customers for supporting us as we continue offering them custom made solutions to better their tomorrow. We are committed to supporting SMEs in the country to maximize their potential.”
