RIYADH, 14 April 2005 — Arab National Bank’s net profit for the first quarter of 2005 reached SR362 million, a 33 percent increase over the first quarter of last year. Net interest income increased by 18 percent and fee income went by 42 percent, while expenses increased by 13 percent. Loans and advances went up by 38 percent to SR30.1 billion reflecting strong economic growth in Saudi Arabia. Customer deposits during this period grew by 21 percent to reach SR43.4 billion. Loan to deposit ratio stood at a conservative 69 percent.