News from Garanti Bank
Garanti Bank Romania reports increase in assets and loans in 2009
28.01.2010 - Garanti Bank Romania, one of the most dynamic and innovative banks on the market, nearly doubled its assets and registered growth of over 50% for loans in 2009, compared to the previous year, following its strategy of providing consumers with offers that responded to their needs within the difficult economic context.
In 2009, the bank’s assets grew to 830 million euros compared to 450 million in 2008, while loans increased to 550 million euros from 350 million the previous year.
“Our growth last year is attributed to solid planning in terms of risk management and liquidity and perhaps most importantly, to being able to support and be there for our customers during difficult times. Moreover, our ability to respond and adapt rapidly within changing market conditions, with customized propositions for various segments such as teachers or state employees, proved to be essential in our development in 2009. We will follow the same policy in 2010, a year where we expect further development for the bank’s presence in Romania,” said Murat Atay, General Manager of Garanti Bank.
Garanti Bank was one of the first to announce a decrease by 1.8% of the interest rates to all secured loans granted to individuals in euros starting January 22nd, 2010.
Furthermore, only this month, the bank announced a series of new products and partnerships that will bring added value to the expanding customer base. Garanti Bank launched the cash payment service for Romtelecom invoices at the bank’s counters. Recognizing the specific needs of those with liberal professions contracts, such as doctors or lawyers, the bank also introduced special pricing conditions for any loans granted to this segment.
Garanti Bank aims to strengthen its position as a universal bank, having extended the range of innovative products and services targeting three main business lines: retail, SMEs and corporate.
Some of the most appreciated products that Garanti Bank Romania introduced in the market in 2009, include: Bonus Card, the most secure credit card on the Romanian market; contactless payment system, equipped with MasterCard PayPass technology; the first loan product that offers financial protection in case of involuntary unemployment, temporary and permanent disability and death from any cause; Garanti Bank24 – debit card with zero withdrawal fee at any ATM in Romania; Garanti Online – internet banking.
Garanti Bank Romania has a network of 51 units, 80 ATMs and over 4,800 POS terminals nationwide. At the end of 2009, the number of customers reached almost 150,000, more than triple than at the end of 2008.