 Outlook - Hansabank prepares for a leap forward |
In 2000 we will focus attention on the Latvian and Lithuanian markets, in which we see the greatest opportunities for growth, thanks to our strong starting position and the productive work in the previous year. Our prediction of a 25% growth in the business volumes of the Hansabank Group in the coming year are largely based on developments in Latvia and Lithuania. In 2000 we hope to seize the position of the leading bank in Latvia and be a worthy competitor to other participants in the Lithuanian market. In Estonia our aim is to continue to consolidate our strong market position and maintain high profitability.
This year we plan to give preference to the development of banking services based on the Internet, and also intend to commence offering WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) services, which are based on mobile telephone technology. We are prepared to provide WAP-services, and are waiting for WAP telephones to come into everyday use.
Based on the priority of developing Internet and
e-commerce, Hansabank will launch a new Internet
Bank that is on a new level both technically and
in terms of options. We predict a rapid increase
in the number of Internet Bank users, such that
by the end of 2000 this service will have 200,000
users. Due to the development of virtual banking
services, one may expect a decrease in the number
of bank offices, although the traditional branch
will not disappear as a result of the rise of virtual
banking. |
Since we are operating in conditions of continually decreasing interest margins, one of the most important strategic objectives of the coming years is to reduce the cross-subsidisation of the customers of the group, which will also lead to an increase in service charges. In order to increase efficiency and create a competitive advantage, in March of 2000 the backrooms of business units were connected and the areas of IT development and management services were unified into support units to serve business units.
Hansabank and its employees, aware of the responsibility incumbent on the largest financial institution in the Baltic States, will continue to work with the aim of achieving maximum customer satisfaction and maintaining, as well as expanding the assets belonging to shareholders. |
