ADCB is seen as a leader in both conventional and Shari'ah-compliant retail banking, with customer service and both our online and mobile banking widely acknowledged as best in class in this market. The current economic environment has slowed this trajectory, but it has not stopped ADCB from growing this vital business and taking market share whilst investing further in the customer experience of the future.
Despite the challenging and highly competitive environment, operating income for the Group rose 5% to AED 3.953 billion and operating profit before impairment allowances increased 8% to AED 2.171 billion over 2015. Year on year, customer deposits increased 18% to AED 50 billion, while net loans increased 5% to AED 71 billion as at 31 December 2016. An increase in the customer base led to a 32% growth in the retail liability book and 5% growth in the retail asset book over 2015.
We continue to make bold moves to serve consumers, including enhancing our offerings with digital initiatives as part of our relentless focus on making it simple to bank with ADCB. Our customer base is increasingly digitally engaged and looking for more.
ADCB has set a new standard for digital banking in the UAE with the opening of the first uBank, ADCB's digital banking centre, at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. It is the first of its kind digital banking centre which enables transition from conventional banking channels to a paperless digital experience, with the help of biometric authentication and digital signature and video assistance from a Virtual Relationship Officer, if required. At uBank, a new customer may open a bank account and receive his debit card, cheque leaves and credit card instantly. In addition, uBank can also service several requirements for existing ADCB customers, such as emergency replacement of credit or debit card in minutes.
Today, more than 90% of our retail financial transactions occur digitally, with mobile banking emerging as the fastest growing channel. Adoption and usage of the Internet and mobile banking platforms continued to grow in 2016, with the percentage of active users reaching 51% for Internet banking and 65% for mobile banking. Online (Internet and mobile) bill payment transactions and their total value grew 17% and 18% respectively, whilst both online fund transfer transactions and their total value grew 46% over 2015.
Our first-in-market, multi-lingual voice authentication system, VoicePass, now has over 64,000 registered users, with 30% active users every month and over 1,100 authentications every day.
Numerous enhancements and refinements were made to our mobile app this year. These include the introduction of fingerprint authentication, Balance Preview and Ready Money. Ready Money, a first in the UAE, allows customers to make international transfers using ADCB credit cards. The app also enables faster remittances to 14 countries through Xpress Money partnership. The constant innovation and development of this channel has resulted in financial transactions via mobile app overtaking the desktop for the first time this year.
2016 also saw the continued launch of ADCB Private, introduced at the very end of 2015. This regionally distinctive private banking proposition aims at the top end of the market, with a full suite of services tailored to high-net-worth individuals and families. Clients of ADCB Private benefit from a broad suite of wealth management products and services, including convenient access to global investment and capital market opportunities, bespoke lending solutions and highly attractive lifestyle privileges delivered through ADCB Private Concierge by Quintessentially Lifestyle. By year-end 2016, ADCB Private's assets under management had grown to AED 3.4 billion.
SimplyLife, our suite of banking solutions aimed at the mass market and launched just two years ago, led the growth in our retail asset book, contributing AED 1.1 billion in 2016. Innovation and simplicity were at the core of new SimplyLife initiatives in 2016, including SimplyLife Pulse tailor-made solutions for the medical community and SimplyLife@work customised solutions for select businesses.
During the year, our Asset Management division launched the ADCB Islamic GCC Equity fund, whilst also introducing international equity trading capabilities and a bespoke investment advisory offering to high-net-worth individuals. ADCB Securities launched a state-of-the-art mobile trading app, growing the share of online orders to around 60%. ADCB Securities also established an Institutional Sales Trading Desk, supported by the introduction of a top-tier UAE equity research capability.
Our strong and leading retail franchise in the UAE has been acknowledged and honoured by a series of awards and accolades from eminent industry observers and authorities from around the world. These include the coveted "Best Retail Bank in UAE" and the "Best Brand Initiative of the Year" 2016 by The Asian Banker. We remain passionate about service and keeping our service levels up, both in the digital realm and in direct contact, face-to-face and voice-to-voice.
Our comprehensive suite of conventional and Shari'ah-compliant banking products and services are tailored to meet the needs of distinct retail segments that make up the diverse community of the UAE. This broad array of banking solutions includes deposit and transactional accounts; personal and auto loans; mortgages; credit cards; and a wealth management platform covering proprietary and third-party investment products, third-party insurance, and brokerage services for local and international capital markets.
Our retail banking platform offers consumers the convenience of a broad, sophisticated multi-channel distribution network. This includes 48 branches in the UAE, two branches in India, one branch in Jersey, three pay offices, 331 ATMs, a 24/7 Contact Centre, leading online banking and mobile applications, tele-sales and a feet-on-the-street direct sales force. In 2016, we opened two new sales and service centres, at Lamcy Plaza in Dubai and Safeer Mall in Sharjah, in addition to the Burjuman Metro centre opened last year.
ADCB continues to offer distinctive advantages to consumers. Our customer-loyalty programme, one of the most generous rewards program in this market, offers miles on both Etihad Airways (co-branded programme) and Emirates Airlines (through conversion of TouchPoints). TouchPoints offer several other lifestyle benefits, and can be redeemed on the spot at 65 merchants and over 750 outlets in the UAE.
The overarching goal for all these investments and innovations is simple: to keep making it easier and more rewarding to bank with us. As consumer behaviour continues to evolve and expectations continue to rise, we will continue to offer the highest standards of service and a customer experience that is second to none.
Islamic Banking forms an integral part of ADCB's franchise, providing high-quality, Shari'ah-compliant financial solutions that address a range of diverse banking needs and are consistent with our customers' values and traditions. It is also a prime driver of growth for the Bank, with Islamic financing assets growing 30% and Islamic deposits growing 17% over 2015.
The UAE is now the world's third-largest Islamic Banking market. ADCB offers the largest Islamic Banking window in the UAE, catering to the entire breadth of clientele, from large corporates to individuals, with a comprehensive platform ranging from pioneering retail financial solutions to bespoke wholesale banking needs.
ADCB Islamic Banking is committed to providing superior services for this rapidly growing market. In addition to the consistent focus on driving growth in the business during the past few years, our Islamic Banking team continues to develop innovative products and services to meet changing needs associated with international standards and evolving markets, whilst staying true to the principles of Shari'ah, including transparency and integrity. New solutions launched in 2016 include the University Student Account, Covered Card, Murabaha Deposits and Working Capital Overdraft. The Islamic Banking Academy was launched in 2016, and has provided online and classroom training for 2,000 ADCB staff members with the objective of adding to their current skills. To grow Islamic Banking further, we have been strengthening our sourcing teams by forming a coverage team entirely dedicated to offering Shari'ah-compliant services and products. Beyond the commercial objectives, ADCB Islamic Banking has strong social programmes, including support for many charitable causes whilst embedding a culture of sustainability within the business.
The exemplary performance of ADCB Islamic Banking has resulted in accolades from across the world:
*Consumer Banking includes banking services for retail and high net worth individuals