BCR, the largest bank on the Romanian market, aims for a 62% profit growth this year, according to Nicolae Danila, CEO. He did not give details about the profit obtained last year, which will be published after Erste Bank publishes its financial results. BCR also intends to increase its assets by 31% this year. The bank concluded last year with net assets worth approximately 45 billion RON (13,33 billion EUR) and a market share of 26,2%, up half a percentage point from the end of last year, according to data from the National Bank.
BCR started the implementation of an integration and development program involving the expansion and optimization of regional branches, which will reach 700 units by 2009, compared to the existing 478. At the same time, BCR intends to improve the alternative distribution channels, such as ATMs and self-banking. Also, BCR will open 52 business centers for SMEs within bank branches. The integration and development program will cost the bank approximately 200 million EUR by 2009, the amount covering integration costs and the bank"s investment expenses over this period.
Helmunt Hintinger was appointed Executive Vice-President of BCR as of February 21st, being responsible for risk management. He stated that his presence will help BCR implement the Erste Bank risk management model.