Westpac reports 66% profit decline


Westpac has reported a 66% decline in statutory net profit to $2.2 billion on the back of a 62% decline in cash earnings.
In a result which Westpac chief executive, Peter King, described as “disappointing” he said it had been a particularly challenging year for the big group.
The bank board declared a final fully franked dividend of 31 cents per share, and the company said that neither the chief executive or group executives would receive short-term incentives this year.
“Despite the challenging period, our balance sheet remains strong,” King said. “We have improved our capital position with our common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio rising 46 basis points to 11.13% and our funding and liquidity ratios are comfortably above regulatory requirements”.
Discussing the outlook, King said that COVID-19 had been a once in a 100 year health and economic crisis and the near-term economic outlook would remain uncertain.
Recommended for you
Sequoia Financial Group has declined by five financial advisers in the past week, four of whom have opened up a new AFSL, according to Wealth Data.
Insignia Financial chief executive Scott Hartley has detailed whether the firm will be selecting an exclusive bidder for the second phase of due diligence as it awaits revised bids from three private equity players.
Insignia Financial has reported a statutory net loss after tax of $17 million in its first half results, although the firm has noted cost optimisation means this is an improvement from a $50 million loss last year.
With alternative funds being described as “impossible” for fund managers to target towards advisers without the support of BDMs for education, Money Management explores the evolving nature of the distribution role.