Page 31 - RFHL ANNUAL REPORT 2024_ONLINE
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        Average total assets increased by $3.8 billion or 3.4 percent in the fiscal, with the net interest margin increasing from 4.17 percent
        in 2023 to 4.38 percent in 2024.


        •  In Trinidad and Tobago, Net interest income grew by $208 million, being the net impact of increases in Interest income and
           interest expense of $283 million and $75 million respectively. The increase in Interest income was generated primarily from the
           growth in the advances portfolio, coupled with the continued higher interest rates on US-dollar denominated investments in
           the earlier part of the year.
           The $75 million increase in interest expense mainly stemmed from higher interest rates on the Bank’s US$150 million debt. Due
           to the increasing interest rates, a strategic decision was made to repay this bond in June 2024.
        •  In Guyana, Net interest income rose by $66 million, driven by a $68 million increase in Interest income and a $2 million rise in
           interest expense. These changes were mainly attributed to growth in advances, investment securities, and liquid assets, while
           a higher deposit portfolio led to increased interest expenses.
        •  Our operations in the Cayman Islands reported a $16 million reduction in Net interest income, driven by a $106 million increase
           in Interest income and a $122 million rise in interest expense. The increased Interest income was due to higher yields on US-
           dollar investment securities, while the increased interest expense stemmed from increased interest rates on customer deposits
           in the Cayman market and a growing deposit portfolio.
        •  The subsidiaries in the Eastern Caribbean (EC) recorded growth in Net interest income by $70 million due to increases in
           Interest income and interest expense by $80 million and $10 million respectively. This resulted from higher portfolio balances
           for advances and customer deposits in the EC islands, while interest rates remained fairly constant.
        •  In Suriname, the increase of $45 million was mainly due to higher Interest income, which was attributable to growth in the
           advances and Treasury Bill portfolios.
        •  In  the British Virgin  Islands  the  change  of $13  million  in Net  interest  income was  due  to increased  Interest  income  and
           interest expense by $25 million and $12 million respectively. Increased yields on advances, investments and customer deposits
           accounted for the increased income and expense.




        Other income
        All figures are stated in TT$ millions

                                                                 2024        2023      Change     % Change


        Fees and commission income                                1,257        1,387        (130)        -9.4
        Net exchange trading income                                 551         529          22           4.2
        Gains from disposal of investments                           9            4           5         125.0
        Other operating income                                     284          109          175        160.6


        Total Other Income                                        2,101       2,029          72           3.5

        Trinidad and Tobago                                       1,124        1,064         60           5.6
        Barbados                                                    115         293         (178)       -60.8
        Guyana                                                     222          181           41         22.7
        Cayman Islands                                             311          306           5           1.6
        Eastern Caribbean                                          350          280          70         25.0
        Suriname                                                    39           69          (30)       -43.5
        Ghana                                                      113          114           (1)        -0.9
        British Virgin Islands                                      39           51          (12)       -23.5
        Less eliminations and other adjustments                    (212)       (329)         117         35.6

        Total                                                     2,101       2,029          72           3.5
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