Part of the Société Générale Group (GSG), the fifth leading commercial bank in Moldova Mobiasbanca last year asserted itself as an active banking institution with a diverse range of products offered and a portfolio of clients that includes individuals and representatives of small and medium-sized businesses in particular. In an exclusive interview, the president of the Board Jean-Francois Myard speaks about the results of last year and the plans and development prospects. [- The year 2006 was beneficial to Mobiasbanca, according to the annual report presented at the General Meeting of Shareholders.] [Jean-Francois Myard:] The 38.1% rise in assets, the 40.6% increase in the resources attracted by the bank and the doubling of the credit portfolio during a year are good results. I am especially pleased with our clients’ increasing trust in us. The over 60% rise in the portfolio of deposit accounts opened by individuals confirms this thing. [- What development strategies will you implement in the near future?] [J-F. M.:] We have two development priorities: the quick integration of the bank into the GSG, which envisages its transformation into a banking institution in compliance with the standards of the GSG, and the introduction of new technologies that will make Mobiasbanca modern and more attractive for clients. [- Do you plan to attain a share market to be the first bank in Moldova?] [J-F. M.:] Though the rise in the share market is a legitimate objective for any bank in the world, our immediate objective is not to become the first bank in Moldova. We will be contented with the third, fourth or even fifth position. Our main objective is to become, on the one hand, the best bank and, on the other hand, to be the most profitable bank in Moldova. Of course, the bank’s biggest wish is to make all the clients satisfied with our products. I think that if a bank earns money and its clients are satisfied, the institution is developing and follows a good path. We focus on quality and this principle will be used in the future activity. We want to diversify the range of products, to increase the credits for individuals and companies. Moreover, we intend to provide long-term credits. We will go to the place where the client lives and works. [- Does SGS-Mobiasbanca aim to open as many branches in Moldova as possible?] [J-F. M.:] We have not set this objective either. We have another goal – to reach a certain number of branches and, even if we do not cover the whole territory of Moldova, to be near the clients, near their place of residence. I think that our branches will adapt better than other banks’ branches to the new approach to retail banking, going after the clients, to the place where they live and work This strategy is used in all the states where GSG is present and it turned out to be efficient and lucrative. [- Does the marketing and advertising strategy of SGS-Mobiasbanca envisage the promotion of its brand? Will the well-known on the market slogan “We Are a Family” be kept or you have some other ideas?] [J-F. M.:] We like the slogan “We Are a Family” as this culture is close to the one promoted by Société Générale. Mobiasbanca is already an established bank, its marketing strategy is rather good and productive and its brand has a clear identity. Possibly, we will modify the design, but the conception will remain the same. As regards the publicity, we will be supported by the Communications Department of the Paris branch, because GSG has a well-developed conception in the whole world. [- You have a rich international experience in banking. What is your opinion about the Moldovan market?] [J-F. M.:] I am at a stage when I discover the country and the people so I cannot tell you much about this at present. I think it is very important to be flexible and open to the people. We do not intend to implement a model copied from other states in Moldova. Of course, in its activity Société Générale takes into account the specific features of the country where it works. I am sure that this is the only correct path to success. This conviction has accompanied me during 15 years of activity. [- As majority shareholder, you have recently announced a tender offer for purchasing shares. Can you give some details?] [Jean-Francois Myard:] Indeed, we have a very good offer for the minority shareholders in Mobiasbanca. We offer them the possibility of selling their shares at an attractive price, which is fourfold higher than the price offered by Mobiasbanca earlier. We consider that this is a good opportunity for those that want to sell their shares and earn money. The offer is valid until May 4.