BZ WBK looks to increase loans in 2017

Bank Zachodni WBK expects growth in demand for loans this year, CEO Michał Gajewski said on Wednesday. He was speaking at a press conference. “Indeed, we have a very clear surplus of deposits over loans. We will be watching the market, how much demand for loans will increase. The projections of our chief economist indicate that it will be improved economic situation in Poland, especially in the area of ​​investment growth. Therefore, we expect that these deposits will be able to be exchanged for lending,” he stated. He added that the bank had recently made technological and financial improvements that, he felt, would enable it to increase lending. “We looked at the demand, we believe that [it] will increase, especially in the area of ​​business [loans]. We are prepared also technologically and financially, to sell more loans,” he also explained, when asked whether or not credit growth would be similar to the 8 percent growth level from 2016. As a result of growth in loans to individual customers, Bank Zachodni WBK had an increase to PLN 56.29 billion in receivables from businesses and PLN 45.37 billion in public sector receivables. It is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, and its main shareholder is the Spanish bank Santander.