Non-performing loans to reach a new peak in 2012

Non-performing loans will reach their peak in 2012, according to forecasts of bankers in the country. UniCredit Bulbank experts predict a peak of problematic loans at the end of next year or the beginning of 2013. According to them, they will account for 17-18% of all loans at that time. The reason for the delayed record-high levels of bad debts is that in the case of natural persons’ credits it takes more time to reach the peak of non-performing loans than in the case of corporate credits. The good news is that despite the expectations for a few more months of growth in problematic loans, the provisions for bad loans are decreasing. “This is due to the fact that higher collaterals on loans are already recognised because of the decreased risk,” said Levon Hampartzoumian, CEO of UniCredit Bulbank and Chairman of the Association of Bulgarian Banks during a conference on credit risk management. He explained that the quality of loans will begin to improve if there are no serious disturbances in the economy of Europe. “Financial institutions are currently learning how to service small- and medium-sized businesses because this type of companies are still new to the market,” he added.


Similar expectations for an increase in bad loans are shared by experts of MKB Unionbank as well. Its Executive Director Maria Ilieva told Klassa that the peak would be reached in 2012 if there are no serious external difficulties. “The global situation is too dynamic as a whole and it is very difficult to make even medium-term forecasts in these conditions,” said an expert. The bank expects a very slow process of recovery of growth rates in the system over the coming years, especially in 2012.

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