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Best Bank: Rabobank |
Although 2008 was difficult for the financial sector globally, Rabobank managed to realize a 2% rise in net profit to €2.8 billion. Return on equity was 9.7% and the liquidity position lost none of its soundness. Amounts due to customers were 10% higher, at €304 billion. Also, the bank maintained good access to the capital market.
Rising credit prices caused interest margins to improve, particularly for Rabobank International. The tier 1 ratio remained strong, at 12.7%. In October and November 2008, rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s both reconfirmed a triple-A rating with a stable outlook.
The financial crisis and government interventions have brought great changes in the Dutch banking landscape over the past 12 months. Rabobank succeeded in expanding its leading market positions in a number of areas including the savings market, where Rabobank Group’s share, including Roparco, rose by two percentage points to 43%.