APS CEO eyes further growth after ‘standout’ 2025 performance

Marcel Cassar says APS Bank plc is well positioned to pursue further expansion following what he described as a “standout performance” in 2025, with the bank now looking to scale its operations both locally and internationally.

"Our capacity for further growth is outstanding," he said, pointing to its strong liquidity and capital positions, "comfortably above regulatory requirements."

Mr Cassar – who spearheaded APS Bank's ultimately unsuccessful efforts to acquire HSBC's Maltese operations – said the group will continue to "pursue scale opportunities – locally and cross-border – through consolidation, partnerships and inorganic growth."

Commenting on the bank’s financial results, Mr Cassar said the strong performance reflects the impact of strategic measures implemented in recent years.

“We are proud to announce a standout performance, marked by broad-based double-digit growth over 2024 and a strong rebound in banking income in 4Q2025 – one of our best quarters on record for both operating and profit results,” he said.

APS reported improved financial performance in 2025, supported by higher interest income, loan growth and continued expansion of its customer base.

However, Mr Cassar stressed that the bank’s focus remains firmly on sustaining momentum and building resilience in an evolving economic environment.

“Looking ahead to 2026 and the medium term, we are targeting greater resilience and sustained outperformance,” he said, adding that this will come from continued evolution of the bank’s business model and deeper engagement with high-potential customer segments.

"When presenting our 3Q2025 results last October, we committed to a significant uplift in profitability. We are now delivering that consistently and aim not only to maintain it, but to exceed it - despite a volatile geopolitical and economic environment.

"Most importantly, we are reinforcing our position as a leading provider of comprehensive financial services and are confident of delivering substantially higher returns for our shareholders in the months ahead."