BCR network reaches 600 branches

The territorial network of BCR – the largest Romanian bank in terms of assets, has reached 600 branches, after Bucharest’s 111th branch opened yesterday. Over the last two years, since Austria-based Erste took over the bank, the network has grown by almost 150 branches, after the expansion plan accelerated last year compared with the initial plan, as a result of competitive pressures. By the end of 2008, the BCR is set to operate 650 branches, almost 70 more than in 2007. The main targets are cities with development potential, amid a focus from the bank on developing services aimed at the population. Dominic Bruynseels, chief executive of the BCR, says around 40 branches have opened since the beginning of the year, for which over 160 people have been employed. “The personnel is carefully selected,” said Bruynseels. In parallel, the personnel cutback process has continued at the BCR, with the number of jobs to go down from around 9,562 in mid-year to 8,700 at the end of December. In the meantime, the BRD, the second-largest bank on the market, approaches 900 branches, while Raiffeisen Bank, the third largest player on the market and Banca Transilvania have exceeded 500. The BCR’s branch No. 600 has an Infokiosk for the first time, which provides financial information, as well as access to Click 24 Banking BCR, the BCR’s Internet banking service, which allows clients to access their accounts. The branch also includes an Easy 24 Banking area, which is open non-stop.