Until recently Belarusian banks were lagging behind their foreign peers in terms of quality of services. However, the Belarusian financial sector is gradually becoming more aware of the fact that the image of a lending institution is not just a guarantor of its success on the market, but also the pillar of the country’s investment rating. Now the development of the Belarusian banking system follows the European model. Complex and lengthy, the process has already born some fruit. One of the newcomers on the market – USC BelSwissBank – transferred the principles of the Swiss banking system to offer pioneering relations to the Belarusian banking.

BelSwissBank has been recognised as one of the most dynamically developing banks on the Belarusian market. Over the two years of operation the bank has opened two cash-processing centres and its first branch office – Lugano…

BelSwissBank also seeks to conquer the province – it has branches in Bobruisk and Vitebsk. Today 25 BelSwissBank currency exchange offices offer their services to the residents and guests of the Belarusian capital. In the very near future the bank will double the authorised capital and complete the construction of its office building.

Chairman of BelSwissbank Board of Directors Mr. Vitaly Kazbanov on the first results of the bank’s development.

“D”: Vitaly Alexandrovich, what is the secret of your success?

V. K .: The problem is that the services Belarusian banks offer differ only slightly. And although every bank is very specific in its functions and strategy of development, all share a common purpose – to become a successful universal bank. When BelSwissBank entered the market, it was nothing but one of Belarusian financial institutions. However, we’ve managed to become unique. Our working methods, quite strange to the native financial market, now arouse interest not only among customers, but among other Belarusian banks, as well.

“ D ”: What are your key working methods ?

V . K .: It is not by chance that our name contains the word “ Swiss .” BelSwissBank’s methods rest on the old traditions of the Swiss banking system: reliability, stability, full security of the customer’s funds. The latter has been a many-century-old priority of Swiss banks. We are seeking the same. Our customers should know that once they have entrusted their money to us, they can be sure that they will get it back in 5 or 50 years with due interest. We are working hard for liquidity to exceed profitability. This has already born fruit: BelSwissBank is now among the top five banks in the NBB liquidity rating. Besides, we give much attention to the culture of service. Until recently surprisingly few financial institutions in Belarus knew to be polite with customers. While BelSwissBank always services customers smilingly.

“D”: It is no secret that the possibility to obtain a loan determines the company’s choice of a bank. How does BelSwissBank work with loans?

V.K.: We are certainly interested in lending activity, but at the same time are very cautious about it. Loans are the riskiest business in the banking sphere. Such decisions are taken by the Board of Directors only following a thorough analysis of the bank’s special department and agreement with the founders. The decision to issue a loan is taken only if it is more profitable for the borrower to pay it off than vice versa. The policy may seem tough, but it is absolutely fair. We cannot run the risk of losing our customers’ money.

Alongside, we are doing much to expand the range of credit services. Since early autumn we’ve been promoting Express Loan programme. Our highly competent staff help business customers find the best ways of financing by reducing financial risks and costs of loans.

“D”: What category of your customers would you put first?

V.K.: We don’t split our customers into categories. An individual asks us to help him/her solve a financial problem – this is what comes first. To improve the wellbeing of customers the bank’s capacities and financial instruments should fully meet their needs. Now every customer has an individual manager, who is responsible for all banking transactions the former may need. Co-operation with our bank is most financially rewarding for medium-sized enterprises. Most instruments we have designed are oriented to such customers. We, therefore, can offer them the best conditions.

“D”: What is your human resource policy?

V.K.: Any person in our team should be a professional. This can be a very young person, but he/she should have a creative mind. An open person is much more likely to succeed in the banking sphere.

We’ve lately been helping young specialists to jumpstart their career. The average age of our staff is 25-30. It is important for us that every employee should be inspired by the major principles of the Swiss banking system. We also value the experience of western banks, which is why our employees are sent for professional training to Western Europe and the CIS.

Alexander Benko, “Delo”

Dossier : Vitaly A. Kazbanov was born in Minsk in 1956.

1978 – graduates from the Belarusian Institute of National Economy named after Kuibyshev.

1992 – becomes Director of Belarusbank branch.

1996 - Belagroprombank executive.

November 1996 – becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors at Tekhnobank.

Since 1998 – Deputy Dean of the Banking Department at the Belarusian State Economic University. Deputy Director General at Minskturist.

October 2002 – becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors at USC BelSwissBank.

Reference : USC Belarus-Switzerland Bank BelSwissBank was registered on October 7 2002. The Swiss capital accounts for 100% of the bank’s authorized capital. BelSwissBank shareholders are three Swiss companies.

Licences: Licence for banking operations in Belarusian rubles, General Licence for banking operations in foreign currency (No. 66 dated October 7 2002), permit to carry out professional and exchange operations with securities, permit to guarantee customs payments.

As of October 7 2002, the bank’s authorised capital equalled €5 million.

"Delo"

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