KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Hong Leong Bank Berhad recorded a net profit of RM1.3 billion for the first half of its financial year ending Dec 31, 2017.

This was a 21-per cent increase versus the same period a year ago.

Net interest income for the second quarter rose for the seventh consecutive time to RM896 million.

Operating expenses stayed at RM1.02 billion, resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 42.5 per cent.

"We have plans to reduce our cost-to-income Ratio below the 40 per cent mark through digitisation and strategic cost management in the coming quarters,” said Hong Leong Group managing director and chief executive Dominic Fuda during today’s media briefing.

Fuda said loan growth was propelled by the Mortgages and SME Divisions.

On the group’s outlook, Fuda said the future is bright as Malaysian economy is expected to be on a growth trajectory.