Like other lenders that have so far released their December half results, IMB Bank says its loan portfolios are performing well, with arrears below average. IMB put this down to its lending policies, high levels of borrower savings and low unemployment. The bank also reported a solid boost in its margin – up from 2.11 per cent in the December half 2021 to 2.49 per cent in the latest half. Net profit for the period was A$19.2 million – an increase of 33 per cent over the previous corresponding period. Net interest income rose 21.3 per cent to $86.9 million. The impairment expense was $1.3 million, following a benefit of $54,000 in the December half 2021. The value of loan approvals was $744 million, compared with $690 million in the previous corresponding period. Loans and advances to customers rose 2.3 per cent to $5.7 billion over the six month to December. Interestingly, IMB has $6.3 billion of deposits, which exceeds its loans and advances. IMB Bank chief executive Robert Ryan said priorities for the year ahead include investment in digital banking services and a move into small business banking. The bank’s cost-to-income ratio was just under 70 per cent.