Bank of Ireland to Pay First Dividend Since 2008

Francesca MacDonald, CEO of Bank of Ireland, discusses the bank's first dividend since 2008, highlighting strong financial performance and lending growth. The bank is the largest lender to the Irish economy, with significant mortgage growth. Francesca addresses interest rate trends and the bank's focus on fixed-rate mortgages. She also explains the bank's strategy on non-performing loans, emphasizing effective management and customer relations.

What significant milestone did the Bank of Ireland achieve for the first time since 2008?

• Launched a new product line

• Paid a dividend to shareholders

• Acquired a competitor bank

• Opened a new branch in Dublin

What is one of the key focuses of the Bank of Ireland's transformation strategy?

• Reducing the number of employees

• Investing in core banking system upgrades

• Expanding into new international markets

• Increasing cash reserves

How has the Bank of Ireland prepared for potential increases in interest rates?

• By reducing its mortgage offerings

• By offering variable rate mortgages

• By increasing interest rates on savings accounts

• By focusing on fixed-rate mortgage lending

What approach has the Bank of Ireland taken towards non-performing loans?

• Managing them internally with positive results

• Acquiring more non-performing assets

• Ignoring them to focus on new loans

• Selling them to competitors

What percentage reduction in non-performing exposures did the Bank of Ireland achieve?

• 31%

• 50%

• 20%

• 10%