WESTERLY – Despite the challenge posed by low interest rates, The Washington Trust Co. leaders are optimistic for 2020.
The bank posted a $69 million profit in 2019, up 1% from 2018, according to earnings released on Jan. 27. The increase comes despite a 24-basis-point drop in the bank’s net interest margin after Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
The bank also saw a small decrease in wealth-management revenue after losing two of its investment counselors and their clients, Ronald Ohsberg, senior vice president, said.
The upside of low interest rates is that the mortgage business is booming, reflected in the 42.5% increase in mortgage banking revenue in 2019.
It was also a strong year for the commercial loan activity, with interest rate derivatives reaching an all-time high, Ohsberg said.
While uncertainties such as future interest rate cuts and the effect of health-related risks in China on the stock market remain, the bank’s incremental investments and “pristine balance sheet” make it well-positioned for future growth, said Chairman and CEO Edward O. Handy III.