Astana
April 26, 2017
PRESS RELEASE
On April 26, ForteBank announced its operating results for 2016 based on audited consolidated financial statements.
Assets
The Bank's assets increased by 13.7% and amounted to 1,215.2 billion tenge. The greatest growth dynamics was shown in the areas of working with individuals and small and medium-sized businesses. Thus, the loan portfolio in the first segment increased by 35.4 billion tenge, or 14.6%, while in the second segment it grew by 31.3 billion tenge, or 36.8%.
The liquidity level remains one of the highest in the market, with the current liquidity ratio K4 (the ratio of current operating assets to short-term liabilities) at the end of the year standing at 238%, while the norm is no less than 30%.
The quality of the loan portfolio improved, with the share of non-performing loans according to the methodology of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan as of January 1, 2017, was 7.5% compared to 9.0% a year earlier.
Deposits
The total deposit portfolio grew by 21.6%, while deposits from individuals increased by 34% and at the end of the year amounted to 406 billion tenge, and the deposits of small and medium-sized enterprises rose by 83% and reached 93 billion tenge. Thus, in 2016, the Bank successfully continued to diversify its funding sources due to the growth of its client base.
Capital and Profit
The Bank's equity increased by 10.9 billion tenge or 6.5%. The capital adequacy ratio K1, which measures the ratio of the Bank's own capital to risk-weighted assets, reached 20.1%, while the norm is no less than 5%. This is the highest figure among the 10 largest banks in the country.
Net profit amounted to 11.7 billion tenge, which is 57% higher than the figure for 2015. Commission income increased by 43%, while net interest income rose by 28%, reflecting the growth of the client base and significant expansion of the range of services provided.
Key Events
In 2016, ForteBank became one of the few banks in Kazakhstan to receive a rating upgrade from the international rating agency Moody's. The long-term rating on deposits in local and foreign currency was upgraded to 'B3', with a forecast of 'stable'.
The Bank completed the relocation of its head office to Astana and launched a branch rebranding program in accordance with the concept of modern banking customer service developed by the design bureau Dinn (Italy). The first branches of the new format were opened in Almaty and Astana and were recognized among the 12 best bank branch designs by The Financial Brand (USA), which specializes in retail banking and credit organizations marketing and strategy.
In the summer of 2016, the Bank launched a modern technological mobile and internet banking application, enabling clients to remotely carry out a wide range of operations. The developer was a global leader in remote banking solutions – Monitise PLC (UK). The application received high praise for its user-friendly interface and functionality, with user growth reaching 50% per quarter.
Among other significant events of the year was the signing of a long-term agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for joint programs to finance small and medium-sized businesses, as well as active participation in state support programs for entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurship Development Fund 'Damu'. ForteBank was the first bank in Kazakhstan to successfully complete the allocation of funds under the mortgage borrower support program through JSC 'Fund of Problem Loans', refinancing 3,644 loans totaling 21.4 billion tenge.
These financial results are subject to approval at the annual general meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 15 of the current year.
General Information about the Bank
JSC 'ForteBank' is one of the largest banks in Kazakhstan, established in 2015 as a result of the merger of JSC 'Alliance Bank', JSC 'Temirbank', and JSC 'ForteBank'. The Bank is represented in all regions and cities of the country by 19 branches and 102 offices, as well as an extensive terminal and acquiring network comprising over 800 ATMs and around 7,000 POS terminals in trade and service enterprises. The Bank employs over 3,500 specialists.
For contacts:
Press service of ForteBank
Tel.: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (ext. 10427)
Mob.: +7 777 156 11 51
E-mail: aaaytbayeva@fortebank.com