News from GarantiBank
GarantiBank Turkey registered a consolidated net profit of more than EUR 1 billion in the first half of 2010
4.08.2010 – GarantiBank Turkey, the mother bank of GE Garanti Bank subsidiary, posted a consolidated net profit of EUR 1.07 billion and consolidated total assets of EUR 62 billion.
GE Garanti Bank, awarded "The Best Consumer Internet Bank in Romania" by Global Finance for the second time in a row
29.07.2010 – GE Garanti Bank was awarded "The Best Consumer Internet Bank in Romania in 2010", within the annual award ceremony organized by the renowned magazine Global Finance. The distinction was granted based on a complex analysis carried out by the editorial team of Global Finance magazine and was based on multiple criteria: web-design and complexity of functionalities offered, growth of online customers, usage degree, as well as the strength of the strategies for attracting new online customers.
GE Garanti Bank and WWF launch WWF Bonus Card, the first eco affinity credit card in Romania
28.07. 2010 - GE Garanti Bank, together with the environmental organization WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), launch WWF Bonus Card, the first eco affinity credit card on the Romanian banking market. WWF Bonus Card is addressed to all people who want to contribute to the environmental protection in Romania. GE Garanti Bank will direct 0.5% of the value of the purchases made with WWF Bonus Card, to support WWF projects in Romania, aiming to protect nature conservation and protected areas in the Carpathians, along the Danube and the Danube Delta, but also aiming to promote a sustainable socioeconomic development and a low environmental impact lifestyle.
GE Garanti Bank awarded „Highest growth of assets in Top 11-20 banks”
21.07.2010 – GE Garanti Bank was awarded „Highest growth of assets among Top 11-20 banks in Romania” during the third edition of „Top Bankers Gala”. „Top Bankers” awards, organized by Finmedia, were attributed based on an ample analysis of the banking system at the end of 2009.
Garanti Turkey was awarded “Best Bank in Turkey” for the 10th time
19.07.2010 – Garanti Turkey, the mother bank of the local subsidiary GE Garanti Bank, was awarded “Best Bank in Turkey” for the 10th time by Euromoney, one of the world leading international financial publications.
GE Garanti Bank offers fast money transfer services via Western Union
24.06.2010 – GE Garanti Bank offers Romanian customers access to Western Union fast money transfer services through the bank’s network. The customers will be able to use the service for making international and domestic money transfers in USD, EUR and RON within all GE Garanti Bank locations.
Bonus Card has a new partner, eMAG
15.06. 2010 – GE Garanti Bank and eMAG have concluded a partnership allowing Bonus Card holders to acquire IT and home appliances products with special conditions when paying with this card in eMAG online shop, as well as in the showrooms in Bucharest, Iasi, Ploiesti, Cluj and Timisoara. These special conditions, available during June 15th – September 15th 2010, consist in the possibility of purchasing any product in 12 interest free installments, benefiting from a 3-month grace period.
www.BonusCard.ro website has a new graphic design
9.06.2010 - Bonus Card, the credit card offered by GE Garanti Bank, has a new website, with a more accessible information structure and a complex graphic design allowing a better navigation and interaction. www.bonuscard.ro is an interactive and dynamic website that introduces its visitors into a virtual world where they may find complete information regarding all Bonus Card merchant partners, ongoing campaigns and special offers. The ongoing campaigns are being displayed in an original manner, on the outdoor panels located on a street in this virtual world, changing its appearance depending on the season and various holidays.
GE Garanti Bank celebrated Child’s Day together with the children of Concordia Humanitarian Organization
02.06.2010 - GE Garanti Bank offered presents on Child’s Day and took to a movie more than 100 children cared by Concordia Humanitarian Organization of Ploiesti. The children could enjoy a day dedicated to them and a special projection of the animation movie Princess and the Frog. The animation presents to the public a new type of princess in the history of Disney creation, a young lady coming from a modest family but who succeeds in her life through the ambition and determination she shows.
GE Garanti Bank will become operational on 29th of May 2010
27.05.2010 – GE Garanti Bank, a new credit institution authorised by the National Bank of Romania, will become operational on 29th of May 2010. GE Garanti Bank has a strong shareholding structure, its major shareholder being Garanti Turkey, who holds 70% of the shares. Garanti Turkey is the second largest private bank in Turkey, with assets exceeding EUR 54.4 billion and a consolidated net profit of EUR 1.45 billion as of 31 December 2009, running a network of 800 branches, employing more than 16,000 people and servicing more than 9 million customers. The remaining 30% stake is held by General Electric Capital Corporation, one of the world’s leading companies.
Garanti Turkey registered a consolidated net profit of more than EUR 530 million in Q1 2010
17.05.2010 – Garanti Turkey, the mother bank of the local GarantiBank registered in the first quarter of 2010 a a consolidated net profit of more than EUR 530 million and reached consolidated total assets of EUR 56.6 million. Garanti continued its contribution to real economy, reaching an amount of cash and non-cash loans granted of approximately EUR 36 billion. The return on average assets (ROAA) was 3.8% and the return on average equity (ROAE) registered a level of 31% in Q1 of 2010.
GarantiBank has a new registered office
19.04.2010 – Starting April 19th 2010, the head office of GarantiBank International N.V. – Romania Branch moved to a new address, within Novo Park office building: Şos. Fabrica de Glucoză nr. 5, Novo Park, Clădirea F, Etajele 5 şi 6, Sector 2, Bucureşti.
GarantiBank registered in 2009 more than 5 times users for Garanti Online
16.04.2010 – GarantiBank registered at the and of 2009 approximately 30,000 users for its internet banking service, Garanti Online, a level by more than 5 times higher as compared to the same period of 2008. At the same time, the number of active users increased by more than 8 times in 2009 versus 2008.
Supermarket products, electronics and gasoline are in the top of credit card shopping in Romania
12.04.2010 - According to GarantiBank statistics, most frequently Romanians use their credit cards for shopping at supermarkets, electronics shops and gas stations, followed by do-it-yourself and clothing stores.
GarantiBank launched the cash payment service for COSMOTE Romania invoices
06.04.2010 - Starting April 1st, 2010, GarantiBank offers COSMOTE customers the possibility of paying their invoices for telecommunication services in cash at the bank’s counters, within all 51 agencies in the country.
Bonus Card - “The best sold credit card in 2009”
30.03.2010 - Bonus Card Clasic was awarded “The best sold credit card in 2009” within No-Cash Awards Ceremony, organized on March, 30th, 2010. Bonus Card was launched by GarantiBank in November 2007 under MasterCard license and represents the first multi-branded loyalty credit card with EMV chip in Romania. Bonus Card is a multi-functional card which rewards consumers with bonuses for each purchase they make, and makes shopping easy and smart by offering free installments and ready-to-use loan facilities.
GarantiBank launches Bonus Card with mirror, the credit card designed for women
3.03.2010 - In March, GarantiBank celebrates women’s month by launching a product dedicated to ladies - Bonus Card with mirror credit card, an innovative product on the local market. The new product, issued under MasterCard logo, combines all the functionalities of a credit card, offering in addition a mirror as accessory.
Bonus Card customers made free purchases worth RON 1 million in 2009
22.02.2010 - The holders of Bonus Card, the credit card issued by GarantiBank, made free purchases worth RON 1 million in 2009, using the bonus collected from the transactions paid with this card.
GarantiBank extends the working schedule on Saturdays for two agencies
18.02.2010 - GarantiBank launched a pilot project for extending agencies’ working schedule on Saturdays. The first stage of this project is carried out during February 15th - May 15th 2010 and includes Magheru and Pipera agencies. These two agencies will keep their normal working schedule during the week (9:00 - 17:00) and will be also opened on Saturdays, between 11:00 - 16:00 hrs.
GarantiBank Turkey registered a consolidated net profit of EUR 1.45 billion in 2009
15.02.2010 - GarantiBank Turkey, the mother bank of the local GarantiBank, registered excellent results also at of the end of 2009. Its consolidated net profit increased by more than 60% versus the same period of 2008, up to EUR 1.45 billion*, while consolidated total assets reached EUR 54.2 billion, registering an increase of 17% as compared to the end of 2008. Garanti continued its contribution to real economy, reaching an amount of cash and non-cash loans granted of EUR 32 billion. The return on average assets (ROAA) was 2.9% and the return on average equity (ROAE) registered a level of 27% in 2009.
GarantiBank decreased by 1.08% the interest rates for all loans in RON
02.02.2010 - GarantiBank decreased by 1.08% the interest rates for all loans in RON granted to individuals. The decrease applies for both existing loans, as well as for the new loans granted starting February 1st, 2010.
GarantiBank Romania reports increase in assets and loans in 2009
28.01.2010 - GarantiBank 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.
GarantiBank decreased the interest rates to all secured loans for individuals
21.01.2010 - GarantiBank decreased by up to 1.8% the interest rates to all secured loans granted to individuals in EUR starting January 22nd, 2010. “In 2010 also, one of the main objectives of GarantiBank is to encourage lending of both individuals and companies. Following this first interest rates decrease of this year, we offer ones of the best lending conditions currently existing on the market. Depending on the market trend, we estimate other subsequent decreases for loans both in RON and EUR.”, Murat Atay, General Manager of GarantiBank, stated.
GarantiBank launched the cash payment service for Romtelecom invoices.
7.01.2010 - GarantiBank launched the cash payment service for Romtelecom invoices at the bank’s counters. This new service is offered without any extra charge to Romtelecom subscribers, individuals or entities, customers of GarantiBank or not, who have now the possibility of paying both their own invoices, as well as the ones issued to other subscribers. The payment may be carried out easily and quickly, based on the invoice.
GarantiBank launches “Summa cum laude” loan for teachers
8.12.2009 - GarantiBank launches “Summa cum laude” general purpose loan, dedicated to teachers from any education system. This new product offers the following special conditions: interest rate cut back by 1.2%, valid for the entire contract period, granting fee reduced by half and the option to choose a 4-month grace period (July, August, September, October) each year of the first 4 years of the loan.
0.1% of GarantiBank's Bonus Card POS transactions will be donated to SOS Satele Copiilor
Bucharest, 16.11.2009 - GarantiBank donates to a charity association, SOS Satele Copiilor, 0.1% of the total value of Bonus Card transactions carried out using any POS in Romania during 16th of November - 16th of December 2009.
GarantiBank Turkey registered a consolidated net profit of EUR 1 billion at the end of Q3 2009
Bucharest, 12 November 2009 - GarantiBank Turkey, the mother bank of the local GarantiBank, registered excellent results in the first 9 months of 2009. The consolidated net profit increased by 46% versus the same period last year, up to TL 2,158 million (approximately EUR 1 billion). Consolidated total assets totaled TL 112 billion (EUR 52 billion), registering an increase of 13% as compared to the end of 2008. Garanti continued its contribution to real economy, reaching an amount of cash and non-cash loans granted of TL 69 billion (EUR 32 billion).
GarantiBank expands its range of products for professionals
10.11.2009 - GarantiBank expands its range of products for professionals. Besides developing a new product, „PLUS” loan with installment repayment, the products have now a more flexible collaterals structure and reimbursement periods of up to 10 years for loans that do not need any justification and up to 30 years for investment loans.
A new electronic payments solution developed by GarantiBank and Netopia
22.10.2009 - GarantiBank offers in partnership with Netopia Sistem a new payment system solution available for the Bonus Card merchant partners who also hold online stores. This system brings in premiere the possibility of paying in installments the products acquired through merchants' online stores with the credit card Bonus Card, offered by GarantiBank.
GarantiBank exceeded 70,000 Bonus Cards
15.10.2009 - Bonus Card, the credit card offered by GarantiBank, exceeded 70.000 users. Bonus Card is the first multi-branded chip card in Romania, a smart payment tool which rewards consumers with bonuses for each purchase they make.
Eureko and GarantiBank signed a partnership agreement for pension funds distribution
8.10.2009 - Eureko, one of the the largest financial groups in Europe, and GarantiBank Romania signed a partnership agreement for pension funds distribution. Following this partnership, GarantiBank will receive the appropriate authorization from CSSPP (the supervision commission for private pensions system) as authorized marketing agent. Subsequently, GarantiBank will distribute through its agency network compulsory and voluntary pension funds, managed by Eureko.
GarantiBank launched the general purpose loan with insurance
08.09.2009 - GarantiBank launched a new general purpose loan with a group insurance policy called "Income protection plan" attached. Customers who will take this product will be financially protected in the following cases: involuntary unemployment, temporary and permanent disability and death. This product is available for individuals and professionals.
GarantiBank approved the first loan within "Prima Casa" Program
25.08.2009 - GarantiBank approved the first loan within "Prima Casa" Program. Its value is EUR 57,000, is granted over 30 years and will be used for the acquisition of a 2-room apartment. The interest rate for this loan is 4.89% (APR 5.38%, including 0.37% administration fee due to FNGCIMM), while the monthly instalment will be EUR 303.
GarantiBank launches a new product for SMEs: loan facility guaranteed by VAT to be received from the state
12.08.2009 - GarantiBank launches the loan facility dedicated to the SMEs (companies with an annual turnover of maximum EUR 5 million) who have to receive VAT from the Ministry of Finance. These companies may obtain a loan of maximum 90% of the total value of the VAT to be reimbursed by the state, based on the Ministry of Finance Inspection Report.
GarantiBank decreased by more than 5 percentage points the interest rates for all loans in RON
3.08.2009 - GarantiBank decreased the interest rates for RON and EUR loans granted to individuals starting August 3rd, 2009.
GarantiBank, awarded by Global Finance "The Best Consumer Internet Bank in Romania in 2009"
23.07.2009 - GarantiBank Romania was awarded "The Best Consumer Internet Bank in Romania in 2009", in the annual award ceremony organized by the renowned magazine Global Finance.
Garanti Online, the internet banking services of GarantiBank, has more than 20,000 users
15.07.2009 - Garanti Online, the internet banking service of GarantiBank, registered more than 20.000 users at the end of June, by 4 times higher than at the end of 2008. Garanti Online was launched in October 2007, initially for individuals, while since May 2008 it is also available for entities.
GarantiBank has a new range of products and services for SMEs
22.06.2009 - GarantiBank has a new range of products and services for SMEs. The new range comprises 5 types of products and services: SME loans, loans for professionals, product packages for SMEs, POS credit line and Garanti Online - internet banking. The main changes made to the range offered until now pertain to collaterals structure, maximum amount up to which no material collaterals are necessary, level of fees and reimbursement schedule.
GarantiBank issued 50,000 credit cards
25.05.2009 The number of Bonus Card holders, the credit card offered by GarantiBank, exceeded 50,000. Bonus Card is the first multi-branded chip card in Romania, a smart payment tool which rewards consumers with bonuses for each purchase they make.
GarantiBank launches a campaign for public sector employees
11.05.2009 GarantiBank launches a special offer for public sector employees, consisting in better lending and saving conditions than the standard ones.
During the period May 11th and January 31st 2009, all public sector employees requiring any type of loan will receive an interest rate lower by 1% than the standard interest rate. Also, for any deposit contracted until the end of 2009, the interest rate will be by 1% higher, irrespective of the deposit's tenor. The third benefit is a free 50 RON bonus, granted upon the activation of any Bonus Card.
GarantiBank launches a new product for the companies using GarantiBank POS terminals
29.04.2009 - GarantiBank launches the POS Credit Line, a product dedicated to small and medium enterprises that use GarantiBank POS terminals. The POS credit line can be used for making any type of payment needed for current activities. At the same time, it can be used for small investments, which can be repaid during one year.
Garanti Online, awarded by eFinance
April 15, 2009 - Garanti Online was awarded "The most complex internet banking service in Romania" by the editorial team of eFinance magazine at the "Performance and innovation in banking" event. Garanti Online, the internet banking service from GarantiBank, was launched in October 2007 and is available to both individual and corporate customers.
GarantiBank decreases the interest rates of loans for individuals
April 13, 2009 - GarantiBank lowers the interest rates of loans for individuals denominated in RON and EUR. The new interest rates will be applied for all loans granted starting April 13th, 2009.
Murat Atay is the new general manager of GarantiBank
April 1, 2009 - GarantiBank has a new general manager, Murat Atay, who officially took over the new position starting 31st March 2009. Murat Atay replaces Berat Icinsel, who coordinated the activity of GarantiBank starting October 2005.
GarantiBank changes the interest rates of deposits for individuals
March 17, 2009 - GarantiBank changes the interest rates for deposits in RON and EUR over 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. For deposits placed by individuals in RON over 1 and 3 months, the interest rate increased to 14.25% per year and 14.75% per year respectively, while deposits over 12 months bear an interest rate of 14.00%, fix for the entire period. The interest rates for deposits in EUR over 1 and 3 months are 5.75% and 6.25%, respectively. Deposits are automatically renewed on the maturity date for a period equal to that of the initial deposit, at the interest rate applicable on the renewal date. The interest rate may be capitalized or transferred to the current account.
GarantiBank decreased the interest rates of loans for individuals
March 9, 2009- GarantiBank decreased by up to 3 percentage points the interest rates of loans for individuals.
The interest rates for housing loan were decreased by more than 2.5 percentage points, down to 9.96% for EUR loans (DAE 12.03%)* and 19.50% for RON ones (DAE 23.27%). The new interest rate of mortgage loan for constructions is 11.16% for EUR (DAE 12.03%) and 20.70% for RON (DAE 23.27%).