A major player
The National Bank of Greece opened for business 168 years ago, and since then has grown into a key player in the European banking sector18/12/2009
NBG has a strong capital base, with own funds amounting to about ¤9.1bn. At the same time it ranks among the top European banks in terms of adequacy and quality of capital, liquidity and operating profit. With total assets of EUR112.2bn NBG has forged itself into a front-line banking group, and is a key representative of the Greek economy on the international level.
In addition, with a deposit base of EUR70bn it enjoys a strong competitive edge that sustains financing to businesses and households alike, as credit continues to expand in Greece. Accordingly, the Group’s aggregate loan book stood at ¤69.8bn in Q3 of 2009.
The Group has a dynamic presence in 11 countries on two continents, where it runs eight banks and 64 financial and other services providers. Foreseeing at an early stage the substantial growth potential in the region of Southeast Europe and the East Mediterranean, and applying a coordinated strategy to penetrate the markets of the wider region, it has invested in expanding and consolidating its footprint via strategically significant companies.
In the past few years, in the area of Southeast Europe and the East Mediterranean the NBG Group has evolved into the foremost Greek player, active in nine countries with a total population of some 125 million, via more than 1,800 banking units – making up a network of branches and subsidiary banks operating in Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Cyprus and Egypt.
Notably, NBG was also the first Greek financial institution to be listed on the world’s largest capital market, the New York Stock Exchange.
Continually generating jobs
The Group’s workforce numbers some 37,000 while it is continuously generating new jobs. Likewise, it systematically invests in the broadening, selection, training, evaluation and development of its staff, as well as the ongoing upgrade of working conditions within the organisation. It considers its human resources to be its most important asset in its drive for growth. Recall that NBG is the biggest employer in the private sector in the region.
Vision
NBG’s vision is to maintain its vanguard position in the countries where it operates – working consistently and reliably for the benefit of its customers, delivering value to shareholders, being the preferred employer for workers, and functioning in a socially responsible way within the community.
A reliable shipping partner
National Bank of Greece has been active in supporting shipping since the early 20th century, when it opened a branch in London, to a large extent for this specific purpose.
During the 1960s, first among Greek banks, it became more active in shipping finance and since the mid-90s it established itself at the forefront of Greek banking system and gradually became a major international player in Greek shipping finance.
The bank is providing mortgage financing as its main shipping finance service, but given its experience, size and geographical dispersion is essentially a gate through which its clients gain access to a multitude of banking services, ranging from operations, carried out by experienced and specialised personnel, all the way to asset management and investment banking.
NBG’s total shipping portfolio is approximately $3.5bn large and has performed remarkably well since the mid 90s. Reflecting to a large extent the synthesis of Greek shipping, it is mainly oriented towards bulk shipping (both dry and wet), with a small presence in coastal shipping and a minor one in containerships.
Strategic option
Given the current challenging world economy setting, which leaves few industries unaffected, NBG’s strong capital and liquidity base allows it not only to dynamically manage existing risks and actively support its clients in handling present business conditions, but also to allow them to take advantage of investment opportunities selectively arising.
Given the importance of the shipping industry for Greece, strong presence in Greek shipping finance is a strategic option for NBG, one that so far has delivered positive results for both the bank and its clients.
Awards
In recognition of NBG’s efforts to enhance its ability to meet effectively the needs of its customers and shareholders, apply successful growth strategies, and commit itself to a social role within the community at large a number of important awards and distinctions have been awarded to it, including:
“Shipping Financier of the Year”: As part of “6th Annual Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards 2009”.
“Best Shipping Financier Of The Year, 2010”: According to an assessment by The New Economy magazine.
“Best Bank in Greece 2009”: As part of Euromoney’s “Awards for Excellence 2009”.
“Bank of the Year 2009 in Greece’: As part of The Banker’s “Bank of the Year Awards 2009”.
“Global Dow – Top 150”: In November 2008, the NBG
share was included in the Global Dow – Top 150. This
index is comprised of the most innovative, vibrant and influential corporations from around the world.
“Top 500 Banking Brands – Top 100 Best Banking Brands”: According to an assessment by The Banker, NBG ranks 82nd among the top 100 banks around the world (2008), and is the only Greek name on the list.
“Best Private Banking in Greece 2008”: NBG’s Private Banking arm was awarded the distinction of Best Private Banking in Greece 2008 by the industry journal Euromoney.
“Best Bank for Regulatory Capital”: According to the industry journal The Banker (published by the FTJ),
NBG is the Best Bank for Regulatory Capital in Greece
and 99th in the world (2008).
