"The very good results recorded by Raiffeisen Bank in 2022 prove to us that we are ready to continue our development, regardless of the economic context we will go through in the coming years. I strongly believe that if our employees feel good and are satisfied, we can provide the best financial expertise and leading digital solutions to our customers. That's why we have integrated the philosophy <people come first>, in our day-to-day activity, with visible results in the important indicators: employee satisfaction increased from 76% in 2021 to 80% in 2022, and NPS (Net Promoter Score) registered a significant increase, from 71% to 80%. The year 2022 ended with good financial results, with a capital adequacy ratio well above the minimum imposed by the National Bank of Romania and with a strong liquidity position.” said Zdenek Romanek, President & CEO of Raiffeisen Bank.
Sustainable financing of the Romanian economy
Raiffeisen Bank's loan balance grew strongly, by 22%, in 2022 compared to the previous year, as a result of the development of lending activity for all customer segments. For corporate clients, the bank registered a considerable increase the credit balance consolidated by 44%, year on year.
The economic context dominated by high inflation led to a greater need for working capital for companies in Romania. Raiffeisen Bank has once again demonstrated that it remains a strong and reliable partner for its customers, quickly offering financial solutions adapted to their needs.
The balance of SME loans increased by 17% year-on-year, with a notable contribution also coming from government guarantee schemes, especially the SME Invest program. In 2022 Raiffeisen Bank granted 2,333 loans to more than 2,000 customers from very diverse fields of activity, with an approved value of 592 million euros, within the SME Invest program.
Responsible partnership with our private individuals (PI) customers
The bank also recorded an upward trend in 2022 for the stock of PI loans, which rose by 7%, with a balanced contribution of both consumer and mortgage loans.
It is worth mentioning that most of the PI loans are with fixed interest rate, thus protecting clients from potential shocks caused by the evolution of interest rates in the market.
More than 60% of PI customers benefit from fixed interest for a period of time. We continue to promote products that encourage sustainability and responsible lending. Loans from the Green Mortgage category (energy class A buildings) came to represent over 50% of the volume of real estate loans granted by the bank.
Strong capitalization and liquidity position
The capital adequacy ratio is over 21%, well above the minimum level required by the BNR (17%). Non-performing loans remained at very low levels (1.75%) and the liquidity position (liquidity coverage ratio, LCR) was at a comfortable level (174%), well above the minimum regulatory requirements (100%).
In addition, through the four issues of MREL-eligible bonds placed in 2022, worth 1.7 billion lei, the bank additionally strengthened its ratio of own funds and eligible liabilities to over 32%, above the regulatory requirements applicable on January 2023 (27.48%). All this creates the conditions for increasing the sustainable financing offered by Raiffeisen Bank to its clients.
Also, through the green and sustainable format of the bonds issued by the bank, we directly contribute to Romania's transition towards a sustainable economy, supporting the reduction of regional gaps and strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of SMEs.
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