TALLINN, Finland, Oct. 14, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Hansabank Group's Board has set the framework for the Group operations until 2007 by formulating the next medium term strategy of the Group.Both, the Baltic banking market, as well as the Group, have changed considerably since the previous four-year strategy was developed in 1999. Our target back then was to become the leading bank in the Baltic countries. Hansabank has since acquired Ventspils UBB in Latvia and more recently the Lithuanian Savings Bank, making the Group the largest retail bank in each of the three Baltic countries. Our market share in the Baltic banking market now exceeds 30% and our customer base totals 3.5 million.
The Baltic countries are set to join the European Union in 2004 and the monetary union a few years later. The convergence to the European financial markets is already well under way. It is therefore not sufficient anymore to be the best in the Baltic countries. We have to be competitive in the European context. In the following we highlight Hansabank Group's next four-year strategy.
OUR GOAL IS:
We want to become the best example of modern financial institution in Europe by the year 2007.
For us, "modern" means the following:
- Highest customer satisfaction
- All products accessible from one place
- High usage of self-service channels
- Efficient back office
OUR MISSION IS:
We want to continuously increase the value of our company. By learning our customers' needs, we can offer them most suitable financial solutions, thus saving their time and making their everyday life better. We believe that high commitment of our employees is the guarantee of the best performance.
OUR CUSTOMERS ARE:
Hansabank primarily focuses on medium-sized companies and private individuals with above the average purchasing power; however, as a universal bank, we serve all customer groups. Our home market is the Baltics, but we also serve niche segments in Russia.
WHAT DO WE OFFER TO THE CUSTOMER: In customer relations, we value long-term partnerships. We offer professional and helpful service, convenient access, reliable self-service channels and all that for a competitive price. We provide all financial services from one place.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES ARE:
- Proactive customer relationship management
- Efficient distribution
- Common technology and products
- Excellent crediting know-how and skills
- Clear management principles
We have already taken the first steps in implementing this strategy by simplifying our management structure and introducing a country-based customer relationship organization. Our technology and products as well as risk and financial management remain pan-Baltic and centralized. Going forward we see new growth opportunities in our home market as well as room for improvement in our internal processes.