OREANDA-NEWS. On 21 February 2008 was announced, that in 2007 "Bank TuranAlem" JSC (BTA) achieved success in the development of all business activities and continue strengthening its position in local, CIS and non-CIS financial markets.

Pursuing its strategy of turning into a biggest private bank in CIS, BTA gradually expands its product range and introduces advanced banking services.

In conditions of increasing competition and deterioration of the international market conditions, BTA demonstrated impressive financial performance in 2007.

Preliminary Performance of BTA Conglomerate in 2007

As of January 1, 2008 the consolidated assets of "BTA Bank" JSC grew by 56% to USD 25.5 bln. Assets growth was mainly driven by the growth of deposits by 30% to USD 5.4 bln., debt securities issued by 62%, amounts from credit institutions by 41% and total equity from USD 1.53 bln. to USD 3.8 bln.

BTA Group’s share in Kazakhstani banking assets is 25.5% as of January 01, 2008 (22.8% as of January 1, 2007), in terms of deposits is 23.7% (24.9% falling on deposits from entities and 19.5% of individual deposits).

Last year, BTA stepped up the lending and made its contribution to propelling the economic growth in Kazakhstan. The loan portfolio of the Bank increases by 88% to USD 19.9 billion at the end of 2007. The share of the BTA Group in terms of loan portfolio is 27.4% as of January 1, 2007 to 23.7% at the end of 2006.

The Bank showed a strong growth of its profitability indices in 2007. The net interest margin changed in 2007 as follows:
January 1, 2006. – 4.2%
January 1, 2007 – 4.8%
July 1, 2007 – 5.3%
October 1, 2007 – 5.6%
January 1, 2008 – 6.0%
The 1.8-point growth of the net interest margin was obtained with preservation of loan portfolio quality up-to-date 2006th indices.

At the end of 2007 BTA Group’s profit consists of USD 580 million, which exceeds 2006 results twice.

BTA Group’ results are demonstrated in the following factors:

ROA of 2.8%

ROE of 26.1%

capital adequacy ratio K1 * – 17,2%

capital adequacy ratio K2 * – 17,9%

* in accordance with recommendations from Basel committee


Key Figures’ Forecast of 2008

In 2008 and 2009 the Bank will focus its efforts to support SME and to provide a wide range of services to individuals.

With a view to improve its risk management policy in 2008, BTA intends to gradually diminish financing CIS-customers and rack up crediting in local market. Besides, the Bank is also planning to continue using local deposits to repay the foreign borrowings. Consequently, the share of foreign borrowings in its liabilities will drop whereas local deposits will rise.

In 2008, the Bank is planning a 20% growth of assets, to increase the equity capital by 17% and loan portfolio by 21%. BTA expects that quality of its loan portfolio would remain at the level of 2006 and 2007, which means not more than a 5% ratio of provisions to the loan portfolio.

BTA Milestones

Following its own traditions, BTA continued with establishing precedents in the banking system of Kazakhstan and CIS by making purchase far abroad. In early 2007 BTA purchased 34% share in Turkish Sekerbank T.A.S.

The adoption of new strategy to become leading financial institution with CIS and be transformed from nation-wide to international brand was main pillar for rebranding that were launched in autumn 2007.

Moreover, Bank’s activities in previous year were recognized by number of awards from authoritative international organizations:

In 2007 the Banker rates "Bank TuranAlem" JSC among World's TOP 300 Banks

• Furthermore, "Bank TuranAlem" JSC took 3rd place in "Highest Movers" rating after Arab Foreign Bank, Libya, and Intercontinental Bank, Nigeria making jump over 500 positions. The Banker’s rating criteria for the best banks are sustainable financial development, efficient capital management, IT utilization, development of bank’s infrastructure and strategic market achievements.

• "Bank TuranAlem" JSC once again was recognized as "Bank of the Year in CIS" by "Itogi" magazine

In 2007 "Itogi" Russian magazine conducted regular research regarding the development of banking systems within CIS. "Bank TuranAlem" JSC was recognized as the best in "Bank of the Year" nomination.

Earlier, "Bank TuranAlem" JSC was named the Bank of the Year in CIS 2006.

• "Bank TuranAlem" JSC was recognized as Best Trade Finance Provider in Kazakhstan 2008

According to exclusive research of "Global Finance" authoritative financial edition, "Bank TuranAlem" JSC was recognized as Best Trade Finance Provider in Kazakhstan "The best banks in the trade finance business are those that understand the global supply-chain requirements of their customers and integrate financial services with automated processes to handle the growing volumes of international trade efficiently and with less risk," says Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and president of Global Finance.

• Islamic Deal of "Bank TuranAlem" JSC has been recognized as "Best Deal of the Year 2007 in Kazakhstan"

The Islamic Finance News has awarded BTA’s USD 250 mln Syndicated Wakalah Facility in "Best Deal of the Year 2007: Kazakhstan" nomination. With this borrowing BTA has significantly diversified its investor base, particularly the Bank has bolstered existing and established new relations with investors from Middle East and Malaysia.

The main criteria for the "Best Deal 2007" award was that The Facility became the largest Islamic Facility for a financial institution in Kazakhstan with Sharia-compliant structure and is the largest Islamic Financial Institution syndicated deal outside Middle East

• Securitization deal of "BTA Ipoteka" (Kazakhstan) was recognized as Deal of the Year

Securitization deal of "BTA Ipoteka" launched in April 2007 was recognized as Best Securitization Deal in Europe (RMBS deal of the year - Europe) by the international analytical and information agency ISR (International Securitization Report) and Thomson Corporation (International information business provider)

ISR award is main recognition of achievements on structure financing market.