The largest increase was recorded in mobile banking transactions where, in the period from March to July, we saw a growth of 91% compared to the same period last year
„From the very beginning of the pandemic, the main priorities of UniCredit were the health and safety of our employees and clients. We monitored the situation carefully so that we were ready to take all of the necessary precautions“, says at the beginning of the interview Feza Tan, CEO of UniCredit Bank Serbia.
What did the bank’s business look like in the new circumstances? What challenges did you face?
– From the very beginning of the pandemic, the main priorities of UniCredit were the health and safety of our employees and clients. We monitored the situation carefully so that we were ready to take all of the necessary precautions. We quickly and efficiently enabled employees to work from home. At the same time, we immediately advised clients to use our mobile and internet banking channels. In this situation, digital channels played a key role not only for business but also for communication – we used ours to inform clients about all the changes we made to adapt to the new situation, to remain open for business. The financial sector supports the real economy, including employment, by providing public and private funds. This is why we focused on business continuity and being a reliable partner for our clients, at all times. I would like to mention recent research by Moody’s Investor Service, which identified UniCredit as one of the world’s most resilient banks and well-placed to withstand any challenges, including the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
You invest a lot in digitalization, how much has it helped you?
– Digital transformation is not new for us. We have been investing in the development of online and e-channels for years. The recent challenges we have faced pushed us to accelerate in this field. Clients, faced with a new reality, have become more open and faster in their acceptance of digital solutions, reflected in the constant increase in digital users and transactions. The largest increase was recorded in mobile banking transactions where, in the period from March to July, we saw a growth of 91% compared to the same period last year. Also, the number of active users doubled. The number of active mobile banking users recorded an average monthly growth of 30% in the same period last year.
“UniCredit as one of the world’s most resilient banks and well-placed to withstand any challenges, including the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic”
Business and municipalities in Serbia will benefit from a €75 million loan provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to UniCredit Bank Serbia for on-lending to clients, facing the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Can you tell us more about that?
– With with this loan agreement, we expanded our long-term partnership with the EBRD. We are proud to work together with them to support the Serbian economy. Now, more than ever, it is important that all market players contribute to overcoming the consequences of the pandemic. As one of the leading banks, we have the responsibility and the strength to continue to actively support the development of the country. Business and municipalities in Serbia can now benefit from the €75 million loan provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The financing helps address the liquidity needs of corporates, small businesses and municipalities. This is another commitment of the bank to support our customers to manage their new cash flow during uncertain times because we need to stand besides then in the entire live cycle.
UniCredit Bank Serbia donates 50.000 EUR to National Health Insurance Fund for support in the fight against COVID -19. How important is a socially responsible business for you in this period?
– In times like these, it is important to stay together and take action for the things that really matter. We are facing a collective challenge and the health of people is a shared top priority. We decided that the best way to address this urgent need is to support the National Health Insurance Fund with € 50.000, enabling it to purchase part of the medical equipment and materials urgently needed for hospitals. Moreover, we have joined the initiative organised by UNICEF, to purchase oxygen flowmeters for the Clinical Centre of Serbia, necessary for the treatment of COVID patients.