Loan rate for business may be reduced in 2014

The growing trust of people and businesses in the banking system last year was phenomenal. Deposits in national currency reached 70 billion UAH, and business credit growth was two-thirds of total banking assets. So in 2014, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) decided to take new steps to improve credit conditions for businesses, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

Annual growth of assets of the banking system of Ukraine in 2013 grew by 2.5 times higher year-on-year. The growth totaled 140 billion UAH. The individuals deposits have grown by nearly 70 billion UAH over 2013, and almost all of them - due to national currency deposits. These figures were announced during a round table on the the banking system performance in 2013, by Oleksiy Tkachenko, NBU Deputy Chairman. From 2011 to 2013 the individuals deposits grew by 163 billion UAH, or 60%. Over two thirds of deposits were made by the Ukrainians in hryvnia.

The loan portfolio of the banks amounted to two-thirds of all bank assets at the end of 2013, a total growth of 97 billion UAH. Growth of the loan portfolio of the banks is the result of the coordinated effort of the government and business to facilitate issue of loans to the real sector of economy. It is primarily provided by operations in the national currency.

The next year even more dynamic business lending may be possible due to the cutting interest rates to enhance economic development. Currently market rates are a bit overstated and are difficult to be justified economically, deputy chairman of the NBU said. Absence of the direct tools to influence the rates, however, does not make NBU helpless. For the record, in general, in 2013 the interest rate was reduced by 1% - by 0.5% twice during the two summer months. Such steps taken by the National Bank indicate future intentions to cheapen the cost of loan resources for businesses that will enhance the capabilities of its development, as well as stabilize and raise the living standards of Ukrainians, experts say.