 Hansabank in Lithuania |
The most important event for Hansabank last year was the launch of banking operations in Lithuania. With the opening of Hansabankas in Vilnius we became the first bank to operate a common brand across the Baltics. Hansabankas' rapid take-off exceeded our most optimistic expectations. At the end of last year Lithuanian customers had deposited EEK 202.6 million in Hansabankas and during the first six months of operations three branches were opened in order to meet the needs of the 1.600 new customers.
Hansabankas offers its customers a wide selection
of deposit and settlement services and issues housing
loans to retail customers. The range of services
and banking products will be expanded in 2000. |
Hansabakas has drafted ambitious plans for its future. The banks is planning to expand its presence throughout Lithuania and increase its market share to five per cent in two to three years.
For our Latvian business, 1999 will be remembered as the breakthrough year. Hansabanka was clearly the local growth leader - deposits increased by 50 per cent, credits by 47 per cent and the customer base by 67 per cent. While Hansabank-Latvija was considered a merchant bank, Hansabanka - now operating under a new name and new brand - is positioned as a classical universal bank. It owns the largest ATM network and operates branches in all the main regions of the country.
Already in 2000 we hope to become a worthy competitor to big market players in Lithuania. |
