The FINANCIAL — Financial performance — Reported profit before tax for 9M18 of $16.6bn was 12% higher than for 9M17, reflecting revenue growth in all of our global businesses, partly offset by higher operating expenses.
Adjusted profit before tax of $18.3bn was 4% higher than for 9M17, excluding the effects of foreign currency translation differences and movements in significant items.
Reported revenue for 9M18 of $41.1bn was 5% higher, notably driven by a rise in deposit revenue across our global businesses, primarily in Asia, as we benefited from wider margins and grew our balances. These increases were partly offset by lower revenue in Corporate Centre. Adjusted revenue of $41.4bn was 4% higher, excluding the effects of foreign currency translation differences and movements in significant items.
Reported operating expenses for 9M18 of $25.5bn were 2% higher, primarily reflecting investments to grow the business and enhance our digital capabilities, and the effects of foreign currency translation differences, partly offset by a favourable movement in significant items. Adjusted operating expenses of $24.1bn were 6% higher, excluding the effects of foreign currency translation differences and movements in significant items.
Adjusted jaws for 9M18 was negative 1.6%.
Reported profit before tax for 3Q18 of $5.9bn was 28% higher than for 3Q17, reflecting strong revenue growth and lower operating expenses.
Adjusted profit before tax of $6.2bn was 16% higher, excluding the effects of foreign currency translation differences and movements in significant items.
Reported loans and advances to customers increased by $8.0bn during 3Q18. Excluding foreign currency translation differences, loans and advances grew by $14bn or 1% from 2Q18.
Capital base remained strong with a common equity tier 1 (‘CET1’) ratio of 14.3% and a CRD IV leverage ratio of 5.4%.