In 2022, the international rating agency Standard & Poor's updated the rating criteria by which it evaluates all global financial institutions.
In this regard, on February 1, 2022, the agency re-assessed the stability of the Alliance Bank according to new criteria. We are glad to share with you that the Bank has once again confirmed its high short-term (horizon - 1 year) credit rating at the level of "B" with the forecast "Stable".
The rating agency, which is one of the three world leaders, monitors both external and internal risks for financial institutions. Despite the macro-situation in Ukraine, S&P assesses the trend of economic risk in the country as quite stable, and the trend of risk in the banking sector - it is assessed as positive.
The Bank's business development model is based on organic growth with a focus on the SME and Micro segments. The rating agency predicts that the Bank's key customers in 2022 will be small and medium-sized businesses, for which the Bank has a wide product line and personalized offers.
We are very pleased that our achievements do not go unnoticed and are highly valued not only by our Shareholder, but also by external stakeholders, in this case, S&P. A credit rating of "B" by one of the three most influential international rating agencies is a positive marker for the Alliance's position in the Ukrainian market.
The Bank places special emphasis on the development of digital technologies. This is a factor in increasing affordability, reducing the cost of information processing and sales channels, increasing customer satisfaction and entering new markets. Digitalization is a powerful trend that will only grow, making the Ukrainian financial market increasingly extraterritorial and therefore competitive. Market advantages will be given primarily to banks with developed technological platforms and business models, which will be focused on the use of elements of artificial intelligence, a high degree of robotics in business processes, remote service to their customers in the minimum response time.
The Bank emphasizes working with the SME segment, including by participating in a number of international and national projects - in particular, the Bank is implementing joint programs with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to finance Ukrainian small business and agriculture, - said Chairman of the Board Yulia Frolova. - We have earned a strong reputation among entrepreneurs, taking an active part in the implementation of the state program "5-7-9" with priority for investment projects. In 2022, the Bank has planned a new leap in growth, which will inevitably affect the new positive assessment of the rating agency.
