Robust demand for loans in retail and further penetration in the lucrative Balkan markets helped bring about the jump in profit. |
The expansion in retail lending, the lower provisions and costs are the main drivers for the return to profitability. |
The large increase in profitability was due to the bank's strong expansion in retail lending, especially in home loans, where National held on to its top rank. |
The return to profit, plus lower contributions to the employees' pension fund thanks to a new law, will definitely help the government sell the bank. |