Sharjah [UAE], January 18 (ANI/WAM): The Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) registered robust growth, achieving a 31 per cent surge in net profits to AED 841.5 million in 2023, compared to AED 650.9 million in 2022.
Operating profits also witnessed a 23 percent rise, reaching AED 2 billion for 2023, up from AED 1.6 billion in the previous year.
The net income resulting from financing and investment products witnessed a significant increase of 20 percent to reach AED 1.5 billion, an increase of AED 239.6 million compared to the same period of the previous year in 2022, when it reached AED 1.2 billion.
Similarly, there was a commendable growth of 23 percent in net fees, commissions, and other income, reaching AED 275.5 million for the fiscal year 2023, in contrast to the AED 224.2 million reported for the same period in 2022.
Meanwhile, general and administrative expenses registered a 12 percent increase, totaling AED 684.1 million for the year ended 2023, compared to AED 610.8 million for the preceding year. Noteworthy, however, is the enhancement of cost efficiency ratios through strategic policy measures, resulting in a notable improvement from 38 percent in the previous year to the current 35 percent. This highlights the Bank’s commitment to prudent cost management practices.
In terms of SIB’s risk management approach, the Bank has fortified its provisions, resulting in a reported impairment provision of AED 439.0 million with an increase of 26.4 percent, compared to the previous year’s provision of AED 347.4 million.
The SIB’s statement of financial position indicates a notable 11 percent increase in total assets, reaching AED 65.9 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared to AED 59.1 billion on December 31, 2022.
Maintaining a robust liquidity position is a strategic priority for the Sharjah Islamic Bank, evident in the liquidity ratio standing at 21 percent of total assets or AED 13.7 billion. Furthermore, the financing-to-deposits ratio, a key indicator of liquidity strength and stability, achieved a commendable 73 percent. These figures collectively underscore the Bank’s sound financial footing and effective liquidity management.
The SIB has successfully diversified its financing portfolio across various economic sectors Total investments in Islamic financing have reached AED 33.0 billion, indicating an 8 percent increase compared to the previous year-end figure of AED 30.7 billion.
Simultaneously, the SIB attracted a substantial volume of customer deposits in 2023, witnessing a remarkable 14.4 percent growth of AED 5.7 billion. This surge elevated total deposits to AED 45.2 billion, surpassing the AED 39.5 billion recorded as of 31st December 2022.
Sharjah Islamic Bank boasts a robust capital base, with total shareholders’ equity reaching AED 8.1 billion as of 31st December 2023, constituting 12 percent of the Bank’s total assets. This translates to a commendable capital adequacy ratio of 18.87 percent in accordance with Basel III standards.
The SIB has demonstrated enhanced profitability, with a notable improvement in the rate of return on average assets and average equity. These metrics stand at 1.36 and 10.81 percent, respectively, compared to 1.14 and 8.49 percent in the preceding year.
The Sharjah Islamic Bank’s board of directors has proposed a 10 percent cash dividend, subject to approval at the upcoming general assembly meeting. This reflects the Bank’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders. (ANI/WAM)
