Saxo Bank announces positive H1 2024 results despite volatility affecting trading and investing activity
Despite the short-term negative impact of reduced pricing, total income increased slightly to USD 347m in the first half of 2024 and was diversified almost equally between the business areas with trader clients accounting for 34%, investor clients 34%, and institutional 32%.
Volatility across financial markets has been low in the first half of 2024 resulting in lower trading and investing activity, while the higher interest rates and positive inflow of client funding impacted the financial performance positively.
During 2024, the Saxo Bank Group rolled out a new competitive pricing structure that lowers costs for clients as well as improvements to the client experience, leading to a record number of clients and client assets, with over 1.2 million end clients and USD 122bn in client assets as of 30 June 2024.
Moreover, S&P upgraded Saxo Bank’s rating to A- from BBB during the first half of the year in a testament to the Saxo Bank Group’s strong financial position.
To increase focus, strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and enhance operational efficiency, the Saxo Bank Group initiated a restructuring of its distribution model in the Asia-Pacific region, considering the strategic opportunities for its offices in Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia, while the office in Shanghai is in the process of being closed. This has led to recognition of restructuring costs of USD 7m in the first half of 2024.
The Saxo Bank Group expects the full year’s adjusted net profit to be maintained in line with the previously guided range of USD 127-150m.
H1 2024 key financial figures (H1 2023)
- Total income: USD 347m (USD 336m)
- Net profit (adjusted): USD 76m (USD 56m)
- Net profit: USD 69m (USD 42m)
- Total client assets: USD 122bn (USD 108bn)
- Total capital ratio: 28% (31.9%)
Commenting on the results, Kim Fournais, CEO and founder of Saxo Bank, said: “The positive momentum we’ve experienced in the first half of the year is a strong indicator that our strategy is resonating with our clients. More than 1.2 million clients now trust Saxo with more than USD 122bn in assets. This is a result of our relentless focus on enhancing our investment platforms, products, and services, and offering very competitive pricing that empowers our growing client base to make more of their money.
It’s also encouraging to see our clients increasingly recognising the value of diversifying their portfolios across different markets and asset classes. In these uncertain times, we remain fully focused on facilitating diversification across asset classes, making it easier and more attractive for investors to build healthy and profitable portfolios and manage their risks. Diversification is truly the “only free lunch” in investing – and we are here to provide the tools, product range, and insights to help our clients navigate their portfolios with confidence.”
Saxo Bank Group’s annual report is presented in DKK (Danish Kroner). All figures in this press release have been converted to USD using an exchange rate of 6.68, as of August 27, 2024.
The full H1 2024 report can be found here: Investor relations
