End-2021, the bank’s total assets exceeded RON6.9 billion, the equity reached almost RON800 million and the sources attracted from customers amount to RON5.2 billion. The total capital adequacy ratio stood at 23.14% and the liquidity ratio was well over 200%, in line with financial data released by bank officials on Wednesday.
“The financial results of 2021 reflect an important financial performance, and through the measures we have adopted, we have reached a strong level of capitalization and liquidity. We continue to stay close to our customers, offering personalized and efficient financial solutions, with a high degree of digitization, but always maintaining the human touch”, said Henk Paardekooper, CEO of First Bank.
In January-December 2021, the value of loans granted showed a significant evolution on all customer segments and First Bank reached a loan portfolio of RON4.1 billion, up 4% on the year.
A more sustained pace is particularly noticeable in the SME lending segment, where there has been a 16% increase against 2020, positively influenced by First Bank’s adherence to government support programs. First Bank also joined the IMM Invest program in the second year of its development, with funds of RON329.29 million allocated for 2021, up 46.39% compared to the previous year.
The cost-to-income ratio improved and reached 79% in 2021, compared to 93% in 2020, due to enhanced operational efficiency following investments in process digitalization and automation.