NAB’s cash earnings boosted as economic conditions improve

“Improving economic and health outcomes in Australia and New Zealand are encouraging as are the reductions we are seeing in deferral balances,” he said. “However, there are still a number of uncertainties requiring further clarity.”

Mr McEwan said ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and the tapering off government support will have an impact on the big four bank and its customers.

NAB provided an update on its loan deferrals, which have now fallen to around $2 billion for businesses and $1 billion for home loans as of December 31, compared to peaks of $19 billion for business and $38 billion for home loans.

Also included in the quarterly update, NAB reported lower markets income had pushed revenue down by 3 per cent but expenses fell by 1 per cent as managements forges on with its strategy of streamlining processes.

The bank has approved more than 4000 home loans using the federal government’s first home loan deposit scheme, which allows first home buyers to pay only a 5 per cent deposit and removes the need to pay for costly lenders mortgage insurance.

Mr McEwan said implementation of the bank’s strategy was “proceeding well”.

“While there is still much to do, it is pleasing to see momentum building in our core businesses as we simplify and streamline out processes and policies and enhance our digital offerings.”

More to come