special Finance

POSITIVE FINANCIAL RESULTS, IN LINE WITH THE ACTIVITY GROWTH STRATEGY

ritan Musatafa, General steps between the Government of Director of , , the Bank of Albania and Dsays for “Monitor”, that his the Banking System, in terms of bank grew in 2020 with a higher the financial support provided, the growth rate than the banking system temporary easing of the financial average. Although some branches burden for borrowers (in accordance of the economy, mainly trade and with loan moratoriums), together services, were significantly affected with the possibilities for restructuring by the consequences of the crisis, Mr. of loan obligations (in accordance Mustafa says that Tirana Bank does with the facilitations provided in the not expect a worrying increase in the implementation of the regulatory non-performing loan ratio. According framework), we estimate that they to him, Tirana Bank continues to have enabled easier coping with the adhere to the strategic objective of financial difficulties caused by the further growth of activity during 2021, pandemic, guaranteeing economic including the expansion of activity life, as well as support for gradual in Kosovo, through a representative revitalization of consumption and office. investment. alternative channels (eg: ATM investments have also affected the What are your main expectations DRITAN transactions, debit / credit cards, as decline in trade and services volumes, and objectives for business How would you assess the In your view, what were the most well as digital platforms, etc.). Debit which are the main reason that Gross performance in 2021? performance of your bank in MUSTAFA important changes brought about / credit card transactions of Tirana National Product (GNP) marked Tirana Bank continues to adhere to the 2020? What would you single by the pandemic in the way it Bank customers marked an increase negative levels in 2020. strategic objective of further growth out as the most significant General Director of Tirana Bank operated, or in the business model of about + 15% compared to 2019, Important sectors affected by the of the activity, with one dynamic, achievements and the main of commercial ? as a preferred payment method for crisis remain mainly trade (especially but also cautious approach, in terms challenges in your activity? Despite the challenges dictated by the customers to reduce contact with in the small and medium business of development opportunities, as Tirana Bank, one of the leading banks of customers’ deposit level + 12% pandemic in 2020, which continue people and physical money, for health segments), as well as tourism and well as to the risks that characterize with a long and important presence in (versus + 6% of the banking system), to this day, in my estimation, the security issues. hotel services, which are important the local market. We will continue the local market, continues to expand increase of the loan / system adapted very quickly We estimate that this increasing trend pillars of the local economy. As a to use our presence in the Bank’s its activity, referring to the wide portfolio + 19% (versus + 4% of to the situation, to maintain the level of using alternative channels will result of a similar trend in declining branch network to continue the customer base, as well as commercial the banking system). We continue of service and support to customers. continue in the future, not only due trade volumes in the region and natural organic growth, aiming at development synergies, with the to treat with great care the reduction This is an important indicator that to the effects of the pandemic that beyond, transport services have also further expansion of the customer partners and associates of our Bank of the level of non-performing loans, the banking system remains the has conditioned the new consumer been negatively affected by this crisis. and depositor base, as in the last two and Balfin Group, the economic group realizing a reduction of -17% of the most regulated and dynamic sector, behavior, but also as a result of the pose a challenge for tourism, reducing years. A healthy liquidity situation we belong to. respective portfolio, being already as well as a very important actor in increasing pressure of technology the opportunity for foreign tourists offers us the opportunity to expand In 2020, in accordance with the within the norms of the banking the sustainability of local economic penetration in the industry. Significant to visit our country in the summer the lending portfolio for individuals, development strategy, Tirana Bank sector. We consider it very important development. changes in the business model of season. for their mortgage and consumer loan realized a healthy performance in that the Bank continues to report Organizational measures, referring banks in the local market could be However, we believe that the needs, as well as to support various terms of organic growth of activity. positive financial results. Liquidity mainly to the work of a part of the realized in accordance with the speed vaccination campaign will improve and dynamic business sectors. We have reconfirmed our active and capital indicators remain at staff from home conditions, providing and degree of penetration of online the pandemic situation. The policy of Referring to the development strategy, presence in the local market, providing consolidated levels, offering the the appropriate infrastructure to banking services, by customers. keeping the borders open will enable we will also evaluate the opportunities dynamic support for the development possibility of further and sustainable enable this new form of work, were This is not only an issue related to tourists from the region and beyond that may arise in the short to medium of the local economy, with a focus on expansion of our banking activity. one of the innovations dictated technological developments, but also to visit our country, giving breath to term, as a result of the consolidation individuals and business entities. The year 2020 was characterized by the pandemic. Referring to the to consumer behavior towards the our local economy and serves as a process in the banking / financial Referring to the main commercial by unusual developments, mainly banking sector as a whole, this use of alternative channels. signal for the revival of local tourism. sector, aiming to expand our presence and financial indicators, the upward due to the pandemic, but also as a new form of work organization can We do not estimate that there will in the local market. We are also in trend continues from the previous result of the consequences of the continue in the medium and long Which sectors or segments be material growth, or disturbing the process of obtaining approvals year (which coincides with the change earthquake. All economic actors have term, depending on the trends for credited by you have been most situation with the loan portfolio. The relevant by the regulatory authorities, in the share structure of the Bank), faced special challenges, which have optimization of work infrastructure affected by the economic crisis? current restrictions, referring mainly to for the opening of our Bank in Kosovo, with a higher growth rate than the clearly affected the economic life of and logistical costs, as well as the Do you expect deterioration in curfew, are not considered essential to initially through a representative average of the banking system. I am the country, the level of investment degree of use of technology in various worrying proportions of loan the local economy. Based on forecasts office. Tirana Bank will remain an pleased to inform you that Tirana and remittances, consumer behavior aspects of the activity. portfolio quality and, if so, when from various international financial important player in the banking Bank reports annual growth Assets / and demand for products and services, In 2020 there was a significant can this happen? institutions, 2021 will be a turning year sector and with a clear orientation to Balance Sheet Stable + 9% (versus + mobility and business dynamics, increase in the use of financial The decline in the level of consumption with expectations for GDP growth at continue supporting the development 5.5% of the banking system), increase etc. However, the coordination of services by customers through and individual and household positive levels. of the local economy.

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