Societe Generale Group could change color of Moldovan banking system

One of Europe’s largest bank groups, Societe Generale from France, negotiates its entry in the Moldovan banking market for taking over “Mobiasbanca”, one of the seven to hold a C-type license, authorization that enables to perform all the transactions stipulated by the legislation. Its appearance is significant both for the banking market and for the whole Moldovan economy. Societe Generale (SG) ranks among first financial service groups in the Euro-zone and seventh French company, considering its capitalization in 2005 - EUR 45.1 bln. Data of that period shows that the group, which consists of 103,000 employees, had a net income of EUR 10.6 bln and a net profit of EUR 4.4 bln. On the one hand, in case the transaction is finished, it will be confirmed that the Moldovan banking system entered the last stage of transition, meaning its change into a secure, competitive, and modern one. After the Italian bank group Veneto Banca came, which is still small-sized compared to Western standards, the coming of SG will offer a new image to the banking market in Moldova. In a short time, another 1-2 regional bank operators could show their interest in the Moldovan market. At the same time, the French Group is willing to stimulate the diversification of the bank products, if taking into account the fact that its activity focuses on three large domains: 1. retail and financial services; 2. financing and investments bank; 3. assets’ management and services for investors. At the same time, it is forecasted that the entrance of the foreign groups will improve the growth pace of the banking system assets. During eight months of the current year, assets of the banking sector increased by 28.69% compared to the similar period of last year. Important enough is the fact that the presence of the Western banks can positively influence the pace of improving the management staff by the central bank. On the other hand, the SG’s launch of operations in the Moldovan market will give a new impulse to foreign investments. In fact, a frequently mentioned impediment will be excluded: lack on the market of some important foreign banks by means of which investors could manage their businesses. Moreover, taking into account the fact that the French Group is one of the European important companies transacted on international stock exchanges, the taking over of “Mobiasbanca” could be mentioned by important European mass-media, thus offering Moldova an enhanced image. At the same time, numerous investors could aim Moldova, at least out of curiosity. The financial capacities of the foreign bank groups on the local market can give a new impulse to certain economic sectors, especially to the small business and leasing, that is stopped by lack of financial sources at present. There is an argument to consider that the SG’s intention to enter the Moldovan market is motivated both by fair perspectives that the banking market might offer and by the national economy as a whole. One like SG group doesn’t make such steps accidentally. Third, in case the transaction is performed through the agency of the Stock Exchange of Moldova, as sources familiar with the negotiations aclaim, we will have another occasion to speak about the capital market of Moldova, which, for the time being, is not in its best condition. The more important transactions are performed, the bigger are the chances to obtain a true mover of the economy. Fourth, having two western bank groups on the market, plus Ereste Bank, which, for the time being, discuses a potential strategy for the BCR Chisinau, the state could hold a much better position in the process of privatization of the Banca de Economii. The assets of the Moldovan baning system, after eight months of the current year, comprised MDL 20.5 bln, the total system’s credits amounted to MDL 12 bln, and the deposits were of over MDL 15.4 bln. On the same date, “Mobiasbanca” had assets valued at MDL 1.7 bln.