I realise, however, that it is important to strike an appropriate balance between bank profitability, on the one hand, and the provision of top-class banking services to all sectors of the community, on the other hand. Indeed the discernible progress is exemplified by the many banking halls which have been revamped to look modern and a lot more welcoming to customers.
Furthermore, the products on offer are increasingly diversified and responsive to the needs of the public and wider economy. The volume of business has also increased, as indicated by the growth of total banking assets, deposit liabilities, loans and other forms of credit, particularly in the last five years.