The 35 foreign banks operating in Australia recorded an aggregate profit of A$56 million in the September 2010 quarter, APRA data for the sector shows. Foreign banks had recorded losses, in aggregate, in four of the eight prior quarters, according to APRA.APRA put the profit margin for foreign banks at minus 11 per cent in the year to September 2010.Most losses have probably washed through the system in this sector, though how many banks incurred significant losses in Australia may never be clear.Aspects of the performance of some foreign banks, such as Lloyds TSB, are reported well enough in their owners' accounts. However, in most cases, their Australian operations don't rate a mention and their managers are subject to less scrutiny.