Saxo Bank's profits soared by 78% to EUR49 million before tax in 2007 compared to EUR27.5m in 2006.
These results released today show the strength of the bank's franchise in a year that saw significant investments in a global expansion programme.
"This year we witnessed significant achievements in the continued effort to be a truly global bank, servicing clients and partners with a broad product offering through very volatile markets," says Kim Fournais, Saxo Bank Co-founder and Co-CEO.
The Bank recorded growth in revenues, earnings and shareholders' equity in 2007 as the number of client accounts, deposits and trading volumes reached new heights. The combined effect drove group operating income up 56% compared to the previous year, reaching a record level of EUR210 m in 2007.
"In what was a very difficult year for the markets, we are delighted to see evidence that our ongoing support, technical innovation and commitment to clients has translated into increased client activity and such a significant increase in operating profits," comments Lars Seier Christensen, Saxo Bank
Co-founder and Co-CEO.
In 2007 Saxo Bank saw total assets increase by 62% to EUR1.3 bn, up from EUR826 m, while shareholders' equity grew organically EUR30 m. Together, with the issue of new shares worth EUR58 m, total shareholder equity grew to EUR147 m.
Partners, clients, trading volume and operating income all grew across the different product offerings with collateral deposits, a strong indicator of prospective growth in trading activity and earnings reaching EUR1.2 bn.
"The tremendous financial growth from the previous year is attributable to both our existing Private Client market and to core activities including White Labelling, which was a hallmark of our success in 2007," says Fournais.
The Bank's White Labelling sector saw record growth in terms of Partner numbers and recognition through 2007. Saxo Bank now has more than 100 White Label Partners, using the group's first class suite of account set-up, risk management and market optimisation capabilities.
In a year of strategic reorganisation in which the bank adopted a geo-centric, regional model for its operations, the global headcount reached 1,200 employees spread across offices in Copenhagen, London, Singapore, Marbella, Geneva, Zurich, St. Petersburg and Beijing.
"Last year marked a very important turning point in our strategy to take the renowned Saxo Bank brand global," says Christensen. "Now the foundations are in place for us to enter another year of what we hope will be strong, incremental results."