First Investment Bank - Headwinds yet to subside - 2015

Headwinds yet to subside

Third largest bank in Bulgaria in terms of assets, loans and deposits. Innovative credit institution with first-class customer service and over 1 m customers. The entire banking sector has strong growth potential due to below the EU average penetration - 100% of GDP vs. over 300% in the EU. But 2014 banking system turmoil, which led to a closure of one bank, liquidity support to FIB and a loss of confidence in the regulatory authority makes the Bank vulnerable to rumors about its stability and loan portfolio quality due to its local ownership.