Retail lending, banks' only hope in Q4

Corporate lending will not pick up by yearend, with constructions, real estate deals, tourism and retail on banks’ “black list”.

Large companies are reluctant to embark upon new investment projects, fearing new risks, and as a result demand for long-term loans is set to drop significantly in the last quarter of this year, together with all the other types of funding, according to the conclusions of a survey the NBR carried out among the 10 largest banks in terms of lending market share.
Under the circumstances, the trend of easing up lending standards that seems to be building up under the pressure of competition, has little relevance when it comes to spurring demand.
The only field lending institutions are happy to fund is energy, and here there are also more investment projects, “green energy” projects included.
Whilst in terms of corporate lending, expectations are grim for the last quarter of the year, banks are counting on reviving demand from individuals, both on the segment of real estate loans, as well as of consumer ones.
Promotional offer campaigns will also play a role here, with some banks having already entered the race.