BNB Governor Ivan Iskrov: Bulgaria is among the few EU countries where there was no need to rescue any bank with public money

Unlike elsewhere in Europe and in the world where banks were sometimes among the factors for the financial crisis or became a source of systemic risk, banks in Bulgaria were and remain the most important pillar of overall financial stability in the country. In 2012, Bulgaria remained one of the few EU countries where there was no need to rescue any credit institution with money from the State budget or the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB).

The capital adequacy of the banking sector in Bulgaria remains very high as per both European and international standards and, as of September, the total capital adequacy ratio stood at 16.59%, while Tier I capital adequacy was 15.12% (the minimum capital adequacy ratio required in the EU is 8 % and in Bulgaria it is 12%). As of October, the ratio between liquid assets and total liabilities stood at 26.38%. The share of non-performing exposures overdue for more than 90 days is growing but at a slower rate.

At the end of September, the gross share of non-performing loans overdue for more than 90 days was 17.25%, while their net share was 11.6%. This net share is indicative for the assessment of risk in the quality of assets because it deducts the already effected depreciation, i.e. takes into now account the already provisioned risk, reported in the statement of proceeds. Non-performing loans have an adequate coverage with provisions and available buffers in the system. Household savings rose by 12.7% on an annual basis until October.

The healthy structural trend of replacing attracted resources from abroad with internal funds continued during the year. Ultimately, we expect the banking system to end 2012 with a surplus of at least BGN 600 mln.

Next year, we can expect a consolidation of two of the largest banks in Bulgaria. BNB views such processes as only natural, but these should be evaluated in terms of how they will contribute to the stability of the sector and of the Bulgarian economy as a whole. That’s why we believe the banking sector in Bulgaria should include only well capitalised and liquid credit institutions with well-defined, long-term business strategies for their operation in our country and managers with good experience and excellent reputation.

(From the speech of BNB Governor Ivan Iskrov to the Association of Banks in Bulgaria)

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