The ANZ Bank has announced a net profit after tax of $42million for this year ending 30th September.

General Manager Robert Bell said that this result represents a return to 2006 profit levels through strong growth across all business customer segments despite continued tough market conditions.

Bell said the Bank is committed to further investment in customer service, employment growth, and community involvement in the country and continue to increase investment in 2009.

He said the ANZ Bank is looking forward to championing more small business, rural development, tourism, infrastructure and export initiatives next year.

Apart from these investments, Bell said ANZ is also investing in the people by appointing 3 locals to executive positions while 10 other staff working outside Fiji have a view of coming back here with enhanced skills.

He said despite aggressive competition in the banking sector, ANZ was able to make market share gains.