Core Insights - The Group's financial results for the first half of 2025 show resilient performance and strategic progress, aligning with management expectations during a two-year transition period [2][11][32] - The net loan book increased by 1.2% to £25.4 billion, supported by a 10% growth in originations to £2.1 billion [6][12][54] - Profit before tax decreased by 20% to £192.3 million, primarily due to lower net interest income and a fair value loss on financial instruments [13][39] Financial Performance - Net interest income was £337.0 million, down 5% from £353.5 million in H1 2024, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 230 basis points [6][41] - Administrative expenses rose to £131.4 million, a 4% increase from £126.2 million in H1 2024, leading to a cost-to-income ratio of 40.3% [6][46] - Return on tangible equity (RoTE) was 13.7%, down from 17.4% in the prior period [6][17] Loan Book and Originations - The Group's loan book diversification strategy continued, with significant growth in originations across Commercial, Asset Finance, Residential Development, and Bridging segments [4][19] - Buy-to-Let lending remained the largest segment, accounting for 69% of the total gross loan book, down from 70% at the end of 2024 [21][70] - Total originations for H1 2025 reached £2.1 billion, a 10% increase compared to £1.9 billion in H1 2024 [6][76] Capital and Liquidity - The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio was strong at 15.7%, down from 16.3% at the end of 2024 [6][60] - Retail deposits increased by 3% to £24.6 billion, contributing to the repayment of £730 million of TFSME funding [6][55] - The Group's liquidity coverage ratio was 167%, significantly above the regulatory minimum [56][58] Dividend and Shareholder Returns - An interim dividend of 11.2 pence per share was declared, representing a 5% increase from 10.7 pence in H1 2024 [6][52] - The Group's strategy aims to support both net loan book growth and further capital returns to shareholders [31][35]

About Bread Financial® Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel throug ...

Core Insights - Political risks are among the top five risks for 75% of global companies, with 11% identifying it as their number one risk [1] - 58% of companies anticipate negative financial impacts due to US tariffs, comparable to the 60% affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2023 [2] - Political risk concerns have evolved significantly over the past eight years, now affecting a broader range of sectors and focusing on US policy [3] Industry Impact - Highly exposed industries such as contracting, transport, and mining are disproportionately affected by political risks [1] - In 2023, political risk losses were the highest recorded, driven by expropriation, political violence, and currency convertibility issues, with 18% of respondents needing to restate corporate earnings [5] - Major political risk concerns for 2025 include US policy uncertainty, particularly regarding tariffs, and geopolitical tensions affecting market access [5] Risk Mitigation Strategies - Companies are increasingly relying on direct negotiations with host governments and political risk insurance to recover from past losses [5] - The most common strategies for mitigating future risks in 2025 include diversification and a "three lines of defense" approach [5]