Despite the volatile financial markets in 2008, Credit Europe Bank strengthened its position as a solid international financial services group, growing towards the top 10 ranking among Dutch banks as measured by its total balance sheet size. In the field of commodity finance and project finance, the bank achieved a record transaction volume of $12.5 billion (2007: $12 billion), though it applied stricter risk control mechanisms to its counterparties because of the volatility on the markets.

Net income over full year 2008 went up by 25 per cent to e74.5 million, despite international market turmoil and fair value adjustments in Q4, the bank said in a statement.

The direct retail business in the eurozone countries Belgium, Germany, Malta and the Netherlands pursued its long term growth strategy and increased the total deposit size to e5.2 billion (2007: e2.9 billion).

Outside the eurozone, the bank further consolidated its position in commercial banking activities:

• In Romania, Credit Europe Bank maintained its top position in the distribution of credit cards;

• Credit Europe Bank Russia added IKEA Russia as an exclusive partner to its co-branded credit card programme, building on successful programmes as established earlier with Metro and Auchan. The bank maintained its top 10 position in credit cards and consumer loans in the Russian Federation.

• Credit Europe Bank Dubai started operations after having been granted a category 1 banking licence by the Dubai Financial Services Authority;

• Assets under management of Credit Europe Bank in Switzerland reached $2.36 billion; and

• Credit Europe Bank Ukraine established its market presence and infrastructure in the former Soviet republic.

Mr TC Beriker, CEO of Credit Europe Bank commented: “I am pleased to announce that Credit Europe Bank has shown stability and growth in a very difficult financial environment. Assets size has grown substantially and our net profit has also recorded a significant increase. Our traditional banking model, focusing on trade and project finance, commercial banking and retail banking has proven to be successful. Also in difficult market circumstances we have been able to retain our clients’ trust. We will maximise our focus on matching our short term credits with funding and will enrich the commodity finance franchise by adding new commodities next to metals, petrochemicals, agrochemicals, energy and soft commodities.”

• Total assets increase by 27% to e9.5 billion.

• Retail deposits in Western Europe increased to e5.2 billion, representing 54% of total liabilities.

• Net income over full year 2008 up by 25% to e74.5 million, despite international market turmoil and fair value adjustments in Q4.

• Tier-I ratio up from 8.4% to 9.04%.

• Credit Exposure: 32% in G10 countries (which include Western European countries, Japan, Canada and USA), 21% in Romania, 19% in Russia, 19% in Turkey, and 4% in Ukraine. Credit exposure via subsidiaries in Russia, Romania and Ukraine reduced as of Q3 2008.

• Record transaction volume in commodity finance and project finance: $12.5 billion, up from $12 billion.