Kyrgyzstan
Striving towards democracy and economic development

Mr. Kwang-Young Choi

Interview with:
Mr. Kwang-Young Choi


Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank

Mr. Kwang-Young Choi
Chief Executive Officer
Contact:
28-A, 11th Floor
South Gate Business Center
8 Mikrorayon, Bishkek 720075
Kyrgyz Republic

Tel: 996 (312) 51-23-80
Fax: 996 (312) 51-23-79
Email: kicb@kicb.net
Website: www.kicb.net
 
Background

Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) was established in January 2001 with an initial share capital of USD 7 million. In addition to its share capital, KICB has access to a number of credit lines. The founding shareholders are Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) is a co-founder of, but not a shareholder in, KICB. AKFED has agreed to take management responsibility as lead manager and principal shareholder.

Table

KICB has an international management team, which is financed by technical co-operation funds provided through EBRD. The CEO is Mr. Kwang-Young Choi, a Korean national with extensive bank management experience. The Chief Credit Officer, Jim Egan, and the Chief Operations Officer, Kieran O'Malley, have been retained under a technical assistance contract between EBRD and ICC Bank plc, Ireland. In addition, a team of Kyrgyz professional staff is recruited to assist in the establishment and development of KICB.

Banking supervision and regulation is the responsibility of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR). KICB is licensed by the NBKR and is the subject to full regulation. KICB is comply fully with all the regulatory requirements of NBKR, and in some cases, it will pursue more conservative criteria.

KICB is in a position to provide limited amounts of technical assistance to approved customers. This assistance can be used to part finance the cost of developing the customers' projects.

KICB plans to contribute significantly to the economic development of The Kyrgyz Republic through the provision of innovative banking products and services, particularly in the area of medium and long-term finance. KICB offers short, medium and long term loans and a range of trade finance products to its corporate customers. It also accepts deposits from enterprises.

Working with KICB

KICB provides loan finance for Kyrgyz enterprises to finance fixed asset investment and working capital requirements. These facilities are provided either on the basis of fixed or floating interest rates.

Interest rates for fixed interest rate facilities are set at the prevailing rate on the day of drawdown of the loan. They will remain fixed at that rate for the duration of the loan as outlined in the loan agreement.

Floating interest rates are subject to change in line with market conditions. This means that the interest rate will be adjusted periodically, in accordance with the loan agreement.



We recommend that you contact one of our credit specialists at an early stage. You may be asked to submit information on your proposal in advance of the meeting. This will ensure that KICB is able to get a clear picture of your requirements and give you a speedy decision on your loan application. Should KICB be unable to finance your project, we will explain why and will be happy to look at any future proposals you may have.

KICB's code of practice

All information, both business and private, provided to KICB will be kept completely confidential. KICB will not disclose any information concerning our borrowers; their business and their dealings with KICB without the prior permission of the borrower. This includes disclosing details for marketing or other purposes to any third party without the prior consent of the borrower,

All staff in KICB will treat you, as a person and a customer, with courtesy, consideration and in the most helpful manner. KICB recognizes the importance of listening carefully and understanding your financial needs. This enables us tailor our facilities to deliver the most appropriate product for the financing needs of our customers.

KICB recognizes that, despite its best endeavors, it is possible that some customers may not be entirely satisfied with the quality of service received. In this case, the customer should discuss the matter with the relevant member of KICB's international management team.

Our appraisal criteria

The main appraisal criteria attached to all banking facilities include the strength, experience and quality of management; trading history and track record; market position; future prospects; cash flow generation and the adequacy of security. These criteria will be taken into account in determining and negotiating the interest rate applicable to the loan.



How interest is charged



Following disbursement, interest is calculated by reference to the daily cleared balance on the loan account. The frequency of interest charged is defined for each particular loan and stated in the loan agreement. Generally, interest is capitalized either monthly or quarterly or, in the event of the loan being repaid, up to the effective date of repayment. Value is given for loan repayments when such value has been received by KICB. Interest is calculated on all loans and deposits on the basis of a 360 day year.

Quality service

KICB offers highly competitive banking facilities to Kyrgyz enterprises in almost all commercial sectors, demonstrating commitment to and value for our customers. KICB has adopted dedicated standards to underpin our commitment to provide a superior level of service.

Products

TRADE FINANCE PRODUCTS

The following products will be offered by KICB:

·Letters of Credit
·Documentary Collections
·General Discounting Facilities
·Bonds and Guarantees

Letters of Credit L/C

KICB will issue Letters of Credit to finance imports and advise and negotiate Letters of Credit covering exports. Letters of Credit are a form of bank guarantee and an important part of international trade. Many suppliers will insist on such payment terms before releasing goods. In many cases, KICB may issue letters of credit for the supply of equipment to long-term borrowers. On maturity of the Letter of Credit, the amount payable would then be converted to a long-term loan.

A purchaser stipulates the documents required thereby maintaining control over shipping dates, transport arrangements, insurance cover and any other special requirements. Payment is only made on strict compliance with documentary requirements.

An exporter has the certainty of a bank undertaking to pay against presentation of correct documentation.

Features

Available for: Finance of imports and exports
Currency: All major currencies (ultimate liability of borrower in USD or KGS)
Term: Subject to terms of trade
Fees/charges: Import L/C - Opening and payment/acceptance commission and confirmation fees, where applicable
Export L/C - Advising and collection fee
Payment: On maturity of L/C

Documentary Collections

KICB will provide a Documentary Collection service for L/C transactions. Payment will be made or received on presentation and acceptance by the parties concerned of agreed documentation, thereby facilitating both buyer and seller.

Features

Available for: Payment for imports and exports
Term: As per documents
Fees/charges: By negotiation
Payment: On due date as agreed by buyer and seller

General discounting facilities

KICB will discount bills of exchange drawn on prime customers and bills that have been endorsed by a reputable bank or other acceptable party. KICB will also discount Letters of Credit and other acceptable trade instruments.

Features

Available for: Cash flow enhancement
Currency: USD or KGS (based on exchange rate at date of discount if in another currency)
Term: As per documents
Fees/charges: By negotiation
Payment: On maturity of documents

Bonds and Guarantees

KICB will provide a complete range of Bonds, Guarantees and Standby Letters of Credit tailored to meet the needs of our clients e.g. bid bonds, advance payment bonds, performance bonds etc.

Features

Available for: Underwriting financial/performance obligations
Currency: All major currencies
Term: Dependent on underlying transaction
Fees/charges: By negotiation
Payment: On demand

Other

In addition to Letters of Credit to finance imports, KICB will also consider facilitating the issuing and collecting of local domestic Letters of Credit should there be a demand for such facilities.

LOAN PRODUCTS

1. USD denominated fixed interest loans

Available for: Fixed asset investment.
Currency: USD.
Loan type: Fixed interest USD loan.
Term: Up to 7 years. A moratorium (grace period) on principal repayments can be negotiated.
Interest rate: Fixed from the date of disbursement of the first tranche of the facility.
Repayment: Monthly repayments of interest only shall be made during the principal moratorium period. Thereafter, repayments of interest shall be made monthly and repayments of principal shall be made quarterly and calculated on an annuity or straight-line basis.
Fees/Expenses: KICB's normal fee structure will apply. Fees may be capitalized or deducted from the initial disbursement.
Early Repayment: 3 months notice of early repayment is required. Repayment outside of this notice may be subject to an early repayment penalty.

2. USD denominated floating rate interest loans

Available for: Fixed asset investment.
Currency: USD.
Loan type: Floating interest USD loan.
Term: Up to 7 years. A moratorium (grace period) on principal repayments can be negotiated.
Interest rate: A margin over the 1/3/6 month LIBOR for USD. The rate shall be adjusted monthly/quarterly/half yearly in accordance with movements in LIBOR. The margin will depend on the size of the loan, the loan period, the perceived risks associated with the loan and the funding costs of KICB.
Repayment: Monthly repayments of interest only shall be made during the principal moratorium period. Thereafter, repayments of principal and interest shall be made monthly. The amount of each repayment must be sufficient to repay the 999 within the term approved.
Fees/Expenses: KICB's normal fee structure will apply. Fees may be capitalized or deducted from the initial disbursement.
Early Repayment: 2 months notice of early repayment is required. Repayment outside of this notice may be subject to an early repayment penalty.

3. USD denominated working capital loans

Available for: Hard core working capital requirements
Currency: USD.
Loan type: USD working capital loan.
Term: Normally up to 1 year. This may be renewed for a further year at the discretion of KICB. In the event of a renewal, a principal repayment of at least 20% of the original principal amount will be required.
Interest rate: A margin over the 1/3/6 month LIBOR for USD. If the rate is floating, it shall be adjusted monthly/quarterly/half yearly in accordance with movements in LIBOR. The margin will depend on the size of the loan, the loan period, the perceived risks associated with the loan and the funding costs of KICB.
Repayment: The principal shall be repaid by one bullet repayment at the end of the term of the loan. Monthly repayments of interest only shall be made during the loan period.
Fees/Expenses: KICB's normal fee structure will apply. Fees may be capitalized or deducted from the initial disbursement.
Early Repayment: One month's notice of early repayment is required. Repayment outside of this notice may be subject to an early repayment penalty.

4. KGS denominated fixed interest loans

Available for: Fixed asset investment.
Currency: KGS.
Loan type: Fixed interest KGS loan.
Term: Up to 7 years. A moratorium (grace period) on principal repayments can be negotiated.
Interest rate: Fixed from the date of disbursement of the first tranche of the facility.
Repayment: Monthly repayments of interest only shall be made during the principal moratorium period. Thereafter, repayments of interest shall be made monthly and repayments of principal shall be made quarterly and calculated on an annuity or straight- line basis.
Fees/Expenses: KICB's normal fee structure will apply. Fees may be capitalized or deducted from the initial disbursement.
Early Repayment: 2 months notice of early repayment is required. Repayment outside of this notice may be subject to an early repayment penalty.

5. KGS denominated floating rate interest loans

Available for: Fixed asset investment.
Currency: KGS.
Loan type: Floating interest KGS loan.
Term: Up to 7 years. A moratorium (grace period) on principal repayments can be negotiated.
Interest rate: A margin over the prevailing interest rate for KGS. The rate shall be based on the cost of Treasury Bills issued by The Kyrgyz Government or NBKR's prime rate or NBKR's bill rate and adjusted monthly in accordance with movements in applicable interest rate base. The margin will depend on the size of the loan, the loan period, the perceived risks associated with the loan and the funding costs of KICB.
Repayment: Monthly repayments of interest only shall be made during the principal moratorium period. Thereafter, repayments of principal and interest shall be made monthly/quarterly. The amount of each repayment must be sufficient to repay the loan within the term approved.
Fees/Expenses: KICB's normal fee structure will apply. Fees may be capitalized or deducted from the initial disbursement.
Early Repayment: 2 months notice of early repayment is required. Repayment outside of this notice may be subject to an early repayment penalty.

6. KGS denominated working capital loans

Available for: Hard core working capital requirements.
Currency: KGS.
Loan type: KGS working capital loan.
Term: Normally up to 1 year. This may be renewed for a further year at the discretion of KICB. In the event of a renewal, a principal repayment of at least 20% of the original principal amount will be required.
Interest rate: A margin over the prevailing interest rate for KGS. If the rate is floating, it shall be based on the cost of Treasury Bills issued by The Kyrgyz Government or NBKR's prime rate or NBKR's bill rate and adjusted monthly in accordance with movements in applicable interest rate base. The margin will depend on the size of the loan, the loan period, the perceived risks associated with the loan and the funding costs of KICB.
Repayment: The principal shall be repaid by one bullet repayment at the end of the term of the loan. Monthly repayments of interest only shall be made during the loan period.
Fees/Expenses: KICB's normal fee structure will apply. Fees may be capitalized or deducted from the initial disbursement.
Early Repayment: One month's notice of early repayment is required. Repayment outside of this notice may be subject to an early repayment penalty.


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