Lebanese Bank Audi said its first half net profit was $190 million, slightly up from $188 million in the same period last year.

The bank said in statement its customer deposits grew by $2.9 billion to $34 billion over the first six months of 2014.

The bank, which operates in 13 countries, said the growth was mainly driven by its Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey operations.

Lebanese banks have been hit by a slowdown in the economy and unrest sweeping the region, in particular the civil war in neighbouring Syria. - Reuters