Industry headwinds halve Stanchart�s profits

Moatlhodi Lekaukau, Standard Chartered CEO. PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Moatlhodi Lekaukau, Standard Chartered CEO. PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

A tough trading environment in the banking sector characterised by low interest rates and tight liquidity has slashed Standard Chartered Botswana profits by more than half in the first half of the year.

In its financials published yesterday, the country’s oldest bank said profit after tax fell 61 percent to P66.2 million, with the high cost of sourcing deposits effecting a big dent on operating income.

Despite the bank’s interest income rising eight percent to P440 million, tight competition for deposits saw interest expenses almost double to P198 million, leading to a significant decline in net interest income.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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