quarter of 1994, the Bermuda Monetary Authority reported yesterday.

Unconsolidated figures show the aggregate balance sheet total for Bermuda banks grew to $8.832 billion to the end of December, reflecting an overall increase of $476 million (5.7 percent).

Foreign currency deposit liabilities registered a small increase as foreign currency loans and advances jumped by $184 million (33.7 percent) to stand at $730 million by the end of the year.

The BMA explained this increase in lending as a reflection of the increased use of facilities afforded to the mutual funds sector. Total foreign currency assets increased by $455 million (6.1 percent) to $7.95 billion.

Meanwhile, consolidated figures showed Bermuda dollar liabilities of Bermuda banks over the fourth quarter decreased by $147 million or 10.4 percent. Total Bermuda dollar assets decreased by $33 million or 2.7 percent to $1.205 billion.

Foreign currency deposit liabilities at the end of the year were up $809 million, up nearly nine percent to $9.9 billion. Foreign currency loans increased by $86 million (7 percent) to stand at $1.306 billion, comprising 11.6 percent of total foreign currency assets.

The aggregate balance sheet total of $12.447 billion reflected an increase of $885 million with Bermuda dollar assets forming 9.7 percent of the total, down from 10.7 percent.

The rate of increase in total customer deposits in deposit companies has slowed. Total customer deposits of $990 million reflected a $52 million or 5.5 percent increase on the fourth quarter 1993 balance of $938 million.

Mortgages and loans increased by $80 million (10.9 percent). They represented 82.1 percent of customer deposits at the end of 1994, a four percent increase on the 78.1 percent recorded at quarter four 1993.