State-run Hua Nan Financial Holding Co (華南金控) and Taiwan Cooperative Financial Holding Co (合庫金控) are seeking stable profit growth this year by stepping up overseas operations, as well as corporate and retail lending. The two bank-focused conglomerates are upbeat about expected interest rate hikes by monetary policymakers at home and abroad that might widen interest spreads and profit margins. Taiwan Cooperative Financial Holding said it expects retail lending to grow modestly this year, especially for urban renewal projects that are not affected by credit controls and unfavorable policy measures. As of late December last year, mortgage operations at its main subsidiary, Taiwan Cooperative