Ready for the next stage

Secure Trust Bank (STB) reported results that were close to expectations for 2016, a year that saw major changes as the group generated substantial profit from the Everyday Loans Group sale, gained independence and moved to the Main Market. At the same time there was substantial growth in the loan book contributing to underlying EPS growth of 20%. Looking ahead, there is scope for further organic growth but STB will also consider acquisitions on a disciplined basis. Both have the potential to contribute to a strengthening in the return on equity from the 2016 level of 11.9%, towards the return on required equity of nearly 20%.