Islamic Bank has reported a net profit of $7.5 million for the first half of 2014, 25 per cent higher than the profit of $6 million reported in the first half of 2013.

Total operating income rose to $10.7 million, compared to $8.3 million for the first half of last year. Operating expenses increased to $3.1 million compared to $2.2 million for the same period of last year.

Net profit for the second quarter was $4.0 million 43 per cent higher than the same period of previous year and also represents a 14pc increase over the first quarter of 2014. Operating expenses were $1.5 million compared to $1.3 million in second quarter 2013.

Shareholders’ equity at 30th June 2014 stood at $256 million, compared to $248 million at 2013 year-end. The bank’s capital base remains very strong with a capital adequacy ratio of 23.93pc, predominantly Tier 1, which totalled 23.2pc.

ABC Islamic Bank’s total assets stood at $1.277 billion at the end of the half year compared to $1.002 billion at 2013 year-end.

Naveed Khan, managing director of ABC Islamic Bank, said: “Results for the first half of the year are encouraging. Operating income grew by a healthy 23pc accompanied by an even healthier 53pc increase in Fee and Commission income leading to a combined increase of 29pc in total operating income in 2014 versus the same period last year. But for a large one-off carry forward credit to expenses in 2013, normalised expense growth in 2014 was only 11pc. However because of this one-off adjustment net profit after expenses showed only a 25pc increase in 2014. Marketing efforts put in at the start of the year started showing results towards mid-year as the balance sheet grew by 27pc at June end compared to Year end 2013. We are hopeful that the rest of the year will see further consolidation on positive momentum built up during the first half of 2014.” - TradeArabia News Service