ANZ Royal recorded double-digit growth in 2009 in terms of revenues and profits before provisions and tax, CEO Stephen Higgins told the Post Thursday. This “is quite pleasing in the context of the sharp economic slowdown in 2009”, he said, adding that the bank had initiated higher credit provisions due to the downturn, particularly at the beginning of last year. “This has resulted in the bottom line being lower than 2008, which is not surprising given the environment.” The International Monetary Fund warned last month that Cambodian banks could expect lower profitability in 2009.