Petrescu, BCR: We're waiting for demand to pick up

BCR, the biggest bank on the market, will strongly re-tap into the consumer lending and credit card markets only as it sees there is demand, since it is not interested in participating in the shaping up of an unhealthy market, states Oana Petrescu, retail executive vice-president.

"We do not want to create artificial demand as it would be highly risky. When we see more confidence among clients, more job security, we'll be ready to come up with our products".

Last year, BCR retail counted on selling guaranteed mortgages through the First Home scheme, which does not involve any risk for the bank, reaching a portfolio of over half a billion euros.

As regards credit cards, she believes Romanians still have trouble managing these products.

BCR believes saving will still be the most important for clients in the following period and this is why it wants to be the leading bank on this segment and has an adequate price policy.