Surdu, Carpatica: We've resumed growth on lending segment

Carpatica, a medium-sized bank controlled by Sibiu businessman Ilie Carabulea, is trying to resume lending growth and develop sales through alternative channels, after having undergone major organisational changes last autumn.

"At present, the bank's loan portfolio volume is following an upward trend and we're saying this taking into account both the current economic background and August 2010 figures. This positive indicator proves the bank's overhaul process is starting to bear the fruit we expected at the start of the year," Nicolae Surdu, general manager of Carpatica, told ZF.
In mid-2010, the volume of loans stood at a little above 1bn RON (240m euros), down 23% from June 2009.
"Amid economic revival, we further want to lend to companies and individuals and we'll do this taking into account clients' creditworthiness and lending conditions," says Surdu, who took over the bank's reins last autumn.
The bank's territorial network has been adjusted, with the number of branches going down to 172 from a peak of around 240.
"We plan to boost sales through alternative channels, spurring the use of online payment instruments, such as cards and POS, which, while not generating high revenues, are part of the bank's development strategy," Surdu says.