“APS Bank plc Reports Higher 2025 Profits and Strong Balance Sheet Growth…”

APS Bank plc reported strong financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, with group pre-tax profit rising to €26.5 million from €23.8 million in 2024. At bank level, profit before tax increased to €26.9 million, supported by higher revenues, reduced funding costs, and improved credit performance.

Net interest income grew by 20.1% to €78.7 million, driven by higher interest-earning assets and better yields, alongside a reduction in interest payable. This contributed to an improved net interest margin, while net fee and commission income also increased to €9.3 million. Meanwhile, net impairment losses fell sharply to €0.7 million, reflecting stronger asset quality, with the non-performing loan ratio improving to 1.4%.

Total assets expanded to €4.6 billion, with significant growth in the loan book to €3.55 billion and customer deposits to €4.13 billion. Capital and liquidity positions strengthened further, with the CET1 ratio rising to 17.6% and the liquidity coverage ratio reaching 178.1%.

The board has proposed a final dividend of €11.4 million (€0.023 per share), payable as scrip with a cash alternative. Combined with the interim dividend, total distributions for the year amount to €14.2 million, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.

IZI Finance plc Closes €30M Bond Issue Early After Full Subscription

IZI Finance plc has fully subscribed its €30 million bond issue, prompting an early closure of the offer period on 16 March due to strong investor demand. The 5.5% unsecured bonds, maturing in 2036 and issued at par, are expected to have their final results announced by 25 March 2026.

The proceeds will primarily support the group’s international expansion strategy, with €23 million allocated to overseas growth initiatives, €4 million for partial refinancing of existing bank facilities, and €2.5 million for general corporate purposes.

The company continues to report strong financial performance. For the six months ending December 2025, turnover reached €561 million, up 25% year-on-year, while gaming revenue rose 19% to €53.9 million. EBITDA increased by 35% to €18 million. The group expects to surpass €1 billion in turnover and €100 million in gross gaming revenue in 2026, driven by ongoing investment in innovation and efficiency across its operations, including the National Lottery of Malta, the Dragonara Casino, and its iGaming business.

MeDirect Bank (Malta) Posts €6.1M Pre-Tax Loss Amid Strategic Restructuring

MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc posted a pre-tax loss of €6.1 million for 2025, up from €5.0 million in 2024, primarily due to one-off costs related to portfolio restructuring, regulatory charges, and post-acquisition adjustments. Excluding these items, the bank recorded an underlying net operating profit of €0.8 million.

The bank reduced its Institutional Credit Lending (ICL) portfolio by 90% to €21.5 million, simplifying the balance sheet and lowering risk. Underlying income growth was supported by mortgage lending, business banking in Malta, and wealth management, with wealth fees rising 10.3% to €7.9 million. Operating costs were higher due to regulatory charges, while expected credit losses fell sharply to €2.9 million, improving asset quality. The non-performing loan ratio declined to 0.9%.

Total assets grew 5.2% to €5.34 billion, net loans increased 3.3% to €3.0 billion, and customer deposits rose 6.7% to €4.1 billion. Capital and liquidity positions strengthened, with a Tier 1 ratio of 20.8%, total capital ratio of 23.5%, and a Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 196%.

During the year, the bank underwent a change in ownership, with Banka CREDITAS acquiring MDB Group Limited and injecting €40 million in capital. Jean-Claude Maher was appointed Group CEO. The reported loss reflects a strategic, front-loaded restructuring aimed at positioning the bank for future growth.

Corinthia Hotels to Open First Property in Chengdu, China, by 2032

Corinthia Hotels is set to make its debut in China with the opening of Corinthia Chengdu in 2032, in partnership with ShiLong Industry Co. and The Geminus Group. The hotel will occupy a 225-meter mixed-use tower in the Gaoxin District, adjacent to the 93-hectare Gui Xi urban park, within Chengdu’s South Central Activity Zone.

The development will feature approximately 150 rooms and suites and 60 branded residences, all offering sweeping views of the city. It will also include luxury retail, residential, and commercial spaces, with a total investment of around RMB 4 billion (€500 million).

“Chengdu’s energy, creativity, and cultural depth reflect our own philosophy. This project introduces Corinthia to Central China, creating a landmark destination for both domestic and international guests,” said Simon Naudi, Group CEO of Corinthia Group.

The hotel will bring Corinthia’s Mediterranean spirit to Chengdu, connecting global travelers with the city’s vibrant cultural and creative scene.

Hili Properties plc to Delist from Malta Stock Exchange

Hili Properties plc has approved a plan to delist its shares from the Malta Stock Exchange, as part of its parent group’s strategy to take the company private. The Board of Directors resolved on 16 March to submit a delisting application to the Malta Financial Services Authority, subject to shareholder approval. An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) will be held on 15 April at 10:00 a.m. to seek approval and authorise the Board to complete the process.

The move follows a 2025 takeover bid by Hili Ventures Limited, which aimed to acquire full ownership of Hili Properties. The group, which already held a significant majority, offered €0.24 per share for the remaining publicly held shares. By January 2026, Hili Ventures had surpassed the 90% threshold, enabling the delisting to proceed.

Hili Properties, listed in 2021 at €0.27 per share, has seen its share price decline over the years. The company focuses on property management, development, and repositioning, with assets across Malta, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and other European markets.

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