The result is partly due to the sale of the bank’s participation in insurance company Asiban.
BT’s shareholders are targeting opportunities that could appear on the market. “We are not considering a sale of the bank but, given the current international market, we are considering all opportunities. We have held no discussions with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which has a 14.97 percent share of BT stock, to increase its participation, but have great relations,” the President of BT’s Board of Directors, Horia Ciorcila, told Business Standard. Ciorcila owns 5 percent of BT.
The international financial crisis has led several players, including ones in the local banking system, to be cautious and focus on bank stability. Thus, several lenders have become more restrictive in granting loans. “In spite of the international situation and with greater caution, we are continuing to lend. We are focusing on issues relating to liquidity, risk management and balance, to ensure the bank’s healthy growth,” the bank’s General Manager, Robert Rekkers, told Business Standard.
