Banking and wealth management group Arbuthnot Banking reported a pre-tax profit compared to a loss the previous year Group pre-tax profit came in at £5.1m for the year to 31 December 2009 from a loss of £2.2m the previous year. Net interest income for the year increased to £17m from £11.4m. Capital, liquidity and balance sheet remain strong, said Arbuthnot in Thursday's statement.Chairman and chief executive Henry Angest commented, "Arbuthnot Banking looks forward with confidence to 2010 and beyond, provided the economy holds up and the UK does not experience a double dip. We are in the hands of the politicians."