The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has announced a 22 per cent second-half profit on home and business lending, recording a total increase of 13 per cent profitability.

 

The bank posted a $6.4 billion full-year profit after recording a cash profit increase of 12 per cent to just over $6.8 billion, thanks to an 11 per cent rise in revenue and the tightening of cost controls.

 

Despite the positive results and a strengthening share price, the CBA has warned that increasing consumer caution coupled with a subdued growth in credit availability will be the hallmark of the 2011-12 financial year.

 

Outgoing chief executive Ralph Norris said the bank has performed well despite market uncertainty and intense competition from the other big four banks.

 

"We have maintained our conservative business and financial settings which has enabled us to support our customers in an uncertain economic environment which remains challenging for many," Mr Norris noted in the results.