NAB's cash receipts for the year as a whole fell 14.2 percent to $ 5.7 billion.

• Cash profit of $ 5.7 billion for the full year NAB, down 14.2%.
• The net interest margin is stable at 1.85%.
• $ 755 million restructuring cost and $ 360 million customer remediation.

NAB's cash receipts for the full year fell 14.2% to $ 5.7 billion, resulting in a decrease in cumulative restructuring costs of more than $ 1 billion, and the repayment of clients affected by the scandals of the royal commission of inquiry on financial services.

However, the bank managed to maintain its margins, with a net interest margin stagnating at 1.85%, and to increase its loan portfolio, increasing both home loans and business loans.

Andrew Thorburn, CEO of NAB, said the business climate was tough and he would continue to do so for at least the next year.

"We are progressing to become a better bank for our customers, employees and owners," Thorburn said.

"While 2018 has been a challenging year, our transformation is on track and benefits are emerging as we gain simplicity and speed."

The results include restructuring costs of $ 755 million and customer remediation payments of $ 360 million.

Excluding these items, cash earnings decreased by 2%.

Statutory profit was $ 5.55 billion, up 5%.

The number of staff has decreased by 1897 as part of the project to eliminate 6,000 by 2020. The current strength is 33,283.

The bank announced a final dividend of 99 cents per share, bringing the full year payment to 198 cents, unchanged from the previous year.

Thorburn said the bank had good loan growth and stable margins.

Net operating income rose 1.8% to $ 9.13 billion, before adding the cost of customer clean-up.

Total loans increased 3.5%, or $ 20.4 billion, to $ 585.59 billion. Housing loans rose 3% to $ 339.54 billion.

Expenses rose 6.4% to $ 8,126 billion, excluding restructuring and rehabilitation costs.

Thorburn says the costs will be stable for the next two years.

"We listen to and respond to customers, including royal commissions, and take proactive steps to be more customer-centric, trust customers for exceptional service," he said.

The numbers 2018:

The bank expects cumulative cost savings resulting from the restructuring of at least one billion dollars by September 2020.

"Since the announcement of the restructuring of our wealth management business, we have made good progress in the separation of the MLC before the end of 2011, when the public market would be targeted", Thorburn said.

"We operate in a difficult environment and remain attentive to risks.

"The Royal Commission has raised cases where we have not treated clients with care and respect.

"We are determined to remedy the problems and take steps to build a better bank."

NOW WATCH: Money & Markets Videos

Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.