Its another record year for bank BZ WBK

Its loan portfolio increased by 25%, to zl.17.6 billion over the period, and deposits jumped by 47% to zl.44 billion, as the company increased its market share in all segments except mortgages. Its mutual funds, which are one of the best performing, enjoyed spectacular growth, soaring by 123% to zl.17.2 billion. BZ WBK wants to spend part of the profits on expanding its branch network. As a first step, it will open 100 franchise branches this year under a new brand "Minibank", focusing on basic services such as transfers and consumer credit, followed by opening 100 regular branches over the next three years to add to its existing 383. It was also the last year in office for CEO Jacek Ksen, who held the post for 11 years. He will most likely be replaced by an insider. (Puls Biznesu, p.11) R.M.