Don’t bank on big returns with BoI investment

Despite Bank of Ireland’s solid results, profit margins are being hit by technological disruption, regulatory squeezing and increased competition

Francesca McDonagh, group chief executive at Bank of Ireland Picture: Fergal Phillips

Bank of Ireland’s results for 2018 show strong economic growth in its two key markets, Ireland and Britain, as well as in its more specialist areas further afield. Despite being the ‘least worst’ sufferer in the sector in Ireland in the recessionary years, though, the hangover from the bad debt and non-performing loan exposures continues to constrain the business.

Against the background of a still highly stressed asset base, Francesca McDonagh made the ...