The Chief Executive Officer of Sabadell asserts that TSB will strive for a significant improvement in its efficiency ratio as the UK lender reports a 30% increase in profits.
Sabadell, the Spanish parent company of TSB, has informed reporters that the United Kingdom brand’s cost-cutting initiatives for this year will lead to branch closures and employee layoffs.
Sabadell CEO, Cesar Gonzalez-Bueno, was questioned at a news conference subsequent to the release of the organization’s annual results regarding TSB’s provision of £29 million for restructuring expenses this year.
When queried whether this would result in a decrease in bank personnel or branches, he responded, “Yes, both will be affected,” without specifying the quantity of either.
Although TSB was explicitly prepared to address the matter, he proceeded into a slightly more extensive discussion regarding its own performance in 2023.
Nevertheless, approximately £24.4 million was allocated in the £29 million provision to cover employee severance costs.
Pre-tax profits for TSB increased by 30% to £237.2 million, aided by higher interest rates.
It proposed an increase in the dividend to Sabadell from £50 million in 2022 to £120 million.
However, it continued to report that inflationary pressures on its bottom line persisted.
Annual operating expenses decreased by a mere 3.9% in comparison to the preceding 12-month period, excluding the impact of a substantial sanction associated with its ill-fated customer migration initiative in 2018.
TSB’s Strategic Cost-Saving Plans
TSB has set aside £29 million for a “programme of strategic cost-saving initiatives that will reduce expenses beginning in 2024.”
In recent months, competitors such as Barclays and Lloyds have also increased the rate of cost reduction, notwithstanding the robust profitability of the former.
Mr. Gonzalez-Bueno stated that TSB would eventually disclose specifics regarding planned reductions, but the objective was to reduce its so-called efficiency ratio, which measures the cost-to-income of a bank, from the current 73.6% to around 60%.
The bank stated, “Our commitment to cost reduction has been crystal clear; however, prior to making any announcements regarding operational changes, we consistently seek input from our colleagues.”
TSB has 211 branches and 5,426 employees at the present time.
As for TSB’s performance in 2023, its Chief Executive, Robin Bulloch, stated, “We are pleased to report another year of consistent profitability. This reflects the effectiveness of our ongoing customer-centric approach, which involves providing products and services that genuinely cater to their requirements, as well as our efforts to streamline, optimise, and fortify the bank.”
“Our customers’ strong resonance with our Money Confidence purpose has persisted despite the cost of living challenges; for this, I would like to extend my gratitude to all TSB employees who have continued to exert effort in stepping up to assist them.”
