Unibank celebrates 15th anniversary of foundation

This year the Yerevan-based Unibank celebrates the 15th anniversary of its establishment, the bank's press service reported.

YEREVAN, October 24. /ARKA/. This year the Yerevan-based Unibank celebrates the 15th anniversary of its establishment, the bank's press service reported. "The Bank opened its doors in the center of Yerevan in 2001, and almost from the first day it offered a comprehensive package of banking services to customers", - the report says.

The solemn event dedicated to the anniversary will take place October 24 at Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex. The gala concert will feature popular Armenian and foreign performers.

‘Unibank's mission is to promote economic development of Armenia, improve the financial standing of its customers, shareholders and partners, as well as meet consumer demand in quality financial services,’ according to the report.

Thanks to stable and successful work during 15 years Unibank has managed to win the trust of customers, and a high business reputation.

Today more than 320 thousand customers use Unibank’s services, and 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises have chosen it as their financial partner. The bank boasts also 24 thousand deposits.

 In the third quarter of 2016 Unibank registered positive financial results in all areas of activity continuing  to build profits. The bank's assets in the reporting period amounted to about 175 billion drams, liabilities – to 143 billion drams. Its total capital exceeded 31 billion drams, having increased by 41% from the year before. In August of this year, the international rating agency Moody's Investors Service, based on the bank's capital growth, improved its rating outlook to "positive." Since the beginning of the year the bank earned 622 million drams in profit.

Unibank has a strong position in the market, including in the retail business, which is the major and rapidly developing direction. The bank uses modern information technology as a competitive advantage and an important factor in improving the quality of customer service. Currently, the number of retail bank loans exceeds 210,000.

Unibank continues providing active assistance to small and medium-sized businesses, which make the basis of the country's economy. While developing its lending programs, Unibank considers the possibility of providing comprehensive assistance to SMEs, as well as their needs and seasonal activities.  Due to this approach, a company can increase its efficiency and competitiveness of its business. 

Unibank continues cooperation with international lending organizations, including the International Finance Corporation, the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, the European Investment Bank and the German KfW bank for the expansion of lending to the real sector and increasing the availability of financial resources for SMEs.

Unibank’s IPO in 2015 was the main event at the local financial market. Unibank is the first bank in Armenia, which, through an initial public offering, carried out the distribution of shares at NASDAQ OMX Armenia stock exchange. The bank’s strategy is based on the increase of investment attractiveness through the protection of the rights and interests of minority shareholders. 

In October this year the bank’s ordinary registered shares have been transferred from the secondary list (B) of NASDAQ OMX Armenia to the main list (A), making Unibank the first joint stock company in Armenia incorporated into the main list (A).

In 2015, Unibank was recognized as the best bank Armenia in the category "People's Bank" at the annual ‘Mercury’ prize awarding ceremony. The bank operates 46 branches across Armenia, a representative office in Moscow, 113 ATMs, 163 payment terminals and more than 50 promo points.

 Special attention is paid to the promotion of VIP-service. Customers with appropriate level of income and status, are offered the Unibank Privé service, a complete financial solution that include a systematic approach to capital management, efficient financial planning and development of investment strategies.

Unibank takes active part in public life, following the principles of social responsibility and focusing on the development of infrastructure and creation of new jobs. It showed an active support to sponsorship, charity and social programs, which were aimed at improving the financial literacy of people, and assistance in the areas of education, art and sports.

Unibank is closely cooperating with children's funds, including the foundation "Give Life." It shows also assistance in holding children's sporting events. Unibank implemented a program for the improvement of schools in Yerevan and regions, and is supporting an aircraft modeling group. 

Traditionally, the Bank supports the conduct of the annual "Erebuni-Yerevan" festival, the annual marathons of the Hayastan Pan-Armenian Fund. Unibank is the sponsor of the Armenian State Philharmonic and State Youth Orchestras supporting also Armenian singers and composers.

Unibank has established warm and close relationship with famous duduk player Jivan Gasparyan having assisted him in the creation of the duduk school. The bank also provided support to international telethon "Taffy-cooperation."

"Unibank will make all necessary efforts to continue cooperation with its customers, shareholders and partners, based on mutual respect, trust and a desire to succeed", - the bank said. 

Unibank was founded in October 2001. In 2002 it introduced Unistream system. Some 93.5% of its shares are held by Glover Holding LTD. -0-