The bank now represents 5.3% of the UK SME loans market, compared to 4.7% the same time last year.
Gross mortgage lending increased by a marginal £0.2bn from Q4 2012 to £3.3bn, although overall mortgage loans decreased following the introduction of a range of measures to reduce exposure to higher risk mortgage segments.
Quarterly report
The UK business of the Spanish bank also posted a profit increase of 167% from Q4 2012, with profits before tax hitting £282m compared to £107m the previous quarter. Year-on-year figures were less positive, falling in comparison to the £363m accumulated last year.
Overall group performance was similar; profits were up in comparison to the final quarter of 2012, in which it made just €423m, but down year on year. The bank posted €1.2bn in this year and €1.6bn last year.
Ana Botin, CIO, said: “Looking forward, I expect greater stability in our operating environment, in the context of a UK economy which remains subdued. We will continue our support of UK individuals, families and businesses and to act as a strong competitor on the high street.”
Santander may have increased its lending year on year, but is it enough to ease George Osborne’s woes? Find out more about the failed Lloyds/Co-op deal announced earlier this week.
