Postbank
Postbank, a leader in the financial services market, has received high recognition after being awarded a Baa3 long-term deposit rating with a positive outlook by the international rating agency Moody's Investors Service. At the same time, the rating agency, one of the three largest in the world, has assigned a Baa2 long-term rating for Counterparty Risk Ratings (CRR) to Postbank.
The robust capitalization, relatively strong recurring profitability, and а growing deposit base of Postbank have been thoroughly evaluated and reflected in Moody's report. The agency highlights that the bank's strong profitability also supports its ability to absorb losses and to generate sufficient capital internally.
"Such an assessment from a global agency like Moody's is recognition of the effectiveness of our work, the high standards we maintain in our operations, and the even higher goals we set and achieve together with our team. We are delighted that our efforts have been recognized at the international level, which once again emphasizes and supports the progress we are making towards our vision of being a systemic bank in the market, with a strong presence, strictly following our strategy of sustainable development and setting trends in the banking sector in the country," Postbank commented.
Postbank's reported regulatory common equity Tier 1 (CET1) and total capital ratios were both 20.7% as of year-end 2022, above the bank's minimum CET1 ratio requirement of 12.45% and its minimum total capital ratio requirement of 16.5% for that period. Going forward, Moody's expects capitalization to remain robust and well above requirements, as the bank grows its balance sheet.
Postbank, a subsidiary of Eurobank Group, has had a successful presence in the Bulgarian market for over 30 years. Just since the beginning of 2023, the financial institution has received 26 prestigious national and international awards for its innovative products, services, and corporate social responsibility. Postbank received the highest global accolade, Top Employer for 2023, from the international independent Top Employers Institute. In recognition of the outstanding results it demonstrates, the financial institution won the award for successful digital transformation in the Bank of the Year awards of the Bank of the Year Association. For the third consecutive year, the bank was honored with two prestigious international awards in the World Finance Digital Banking Awards 2022 competition by the authoritative World Finance magazine, in the categories of Best Consumer Digital Banks, Bulgaria and Best Mobile Banking Apps, Bulgaria for consumers in Bulgaria.
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Postbank is the fourth-largest bank in Bulgaria in terms of assets, but it ranks third in terms of loans and deposits among the major banks. It has a wide branch network throughout the country and a significant customer base, including individuals, businesses, and institutions. In June 2022, the Bulgarian Credit Rating Agency (BCRA) confirmed Postbank's long-term rating as BBB with a stable outlook. Postbank has completed two successful deals in recent years, acquiring and integrating Alpha Bank - Branch Bulgaria first and then Piraeus Bank Bulgaria. These transactions represent a significant step in strengthening its position as a systemic bank in the market and expanding its customer base. In June 2023, Postbank successfully completed the acquisition of the business and activities of BNP Paribas Personal Finance, the Bulgarian branch of BNP Paribas Personal Finance S.A, France. This is a key event for the strategy of Eurobank Group, to which Postbank belongs, aimed at expanding its international operations through investments in significant regional markets and businesses.