Top Greek Banking Group Earns Clients’ Trust in Bulgaria

The Alpha Bank Group, Greece’s top private banking entity, was founded in 1879 and now has more than 1,000 branches worldwide. Alpha Bank has been active in the Bulgarian market for 15 years and has been expanding particularly rapidly there over the past three years.

At the end of 2009, the bank had over 120 branches in Bulgaria, including 31 in Sofia. It is currently building new headquarters near Bulgaria’s international airport and is steadily gaining market share. “We consider Bulgaria to be a key market for us. We understand the area and the people, and we are stepping up our investment here in a very proactive way,” explains Evangelos Lytras, Country Manager.

Alpha Bank has a stellar track record in Bulgaria. “The latest research shows that Alpha Bank inspires the most trust of any other bank here. I believe that is because we not only have a strong financial situation but we are also much closer to our Bulgarian customers and we understand the country and the region better because we are part of the region,” Evangelos Lytras points out. He adds that the high quality of the bank’s staff is another reason for Alpha Bank’s competitive edge. “A large company needs a reliable partner with an established international presence, strong capital base and an equally deep knowledge of the Balkan market and furthermore of the particularities of Bulgaria. It needs a partner that can guide him properly in regards to the economic and social conditions in the area, and whom it can call for all its financial needs. A partner that has proven its stability, consistency and integrity. This partner is Alpha Bank,” Evangelos Lytras says.

Alpha Bank enjoys the financial support and international reach of the Alpha Bank Group while also offering its customers in depth understanding of the Bulgarian market, including its investment potential. Evangelos Lytras believes that Bulgaria has significant investment appeal; he cites the 10% corporate tax as one advantage.

Alpha Bank aims to continue to upgrade its services in Bulgaria and to expand its branch network. It is also preparing to handle the EU funding flowing into Bulgaria by setting up a special department designed specifically to utilise and absorb these funds. The bank is committed to supporting Bulgaria’s economic growth and to providing the best possible services to its customers. Evangelos Lytras concludes, “Our clients tend to trust us and want to do business with us. We are the optimum banking solution here in Bulgaria.”