In parallel, the operating result improved by 29% to RON2.73 billion (EUR554.7 million), from RON2.12 billion (EUR430.8 million) in 2021, amid rising operating revenues partially offset by higher operating expenses.
In January-December 2022, net interest income went up by 21.7% to RON2.94 billion (EUR597.9 million) from RON2.42 billion (EUR492.2 million) in 2021, on a rising business volume doubled by higher interest rates.
Net fee income increased by 8.8% to RON944.2 million (EUR191.5 million) in 2022, from RON867.9 million (EUR176.4 million) in 2021, amid higher deals volume and rising revenues from lending fees and brokerage activities.
The net trading result rose by 64.3% to RON630.1 million (EUR127.8 million) in 2022, from RON283.5 million (EUR77.9 million) in 2021 amid stepped up trading activities.
In terms of retail lending, BCE granted new loans for individuals and microenterprises of RON9.5 billion in 2022. As for corporate lending, the bank released new corporate loans worth RON15.6 billion in 2022, up 65% from 2021.
NPL rate reached 2.8% in December 2022, significantly down from 3.9% in December 2021.
Client deposits rose by 4.3% to RON75.5 billion (EUR15,271.9 million), from RON72.4 billion (EUR14,641.0 million) in December 31, 2021.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)