“CrediaBank’s figures will continue their upward trajectory in the fourth quarter”, chief executive Eleni Vrettou said earlier today during a briefing for analysts on the nine-month results, giving a detailed response on the bank’s loan exposure to related-party companies.
“CrediaBank’s exposure to related-party financing stands at 6%, rising to 10% if the public sector is also included,” she said, adding: “The bank acts as project financier for one-third of its financing exposure.”
She placed particular emphasis on the independence of board members when making decisions on these financings and noted that, during the supervisory review being conducted as a result of the absorption of HSBC Malta, neither the ECB nor the SSM had raised any concerns on this issue, as the financings in question are below the supervisory threshold.
Shipping
According to Ms Vrettou, shipping finance has strong provisions of up to 100%. The bank’s strategy is to lend where opportunities arise, while taking measured risks.
Net interest income
The bank’s management expects net interest income (NII) to improve further in the final quarter of 2026, as both revenues and deposit pricing improve.
HSBC Malta
HSBC Malta is to be integrated in the second half of 2027 and is expected to contribute €200 million a year to the bank’s profits. Regulatory approval for the merger is expected before the end of 2026.