BCR Pensii reports outstanding results on the optional pension market in terms of gross contributions in Q1 2015

Bucharest, 28 September 2015 – BCR Plus experienced an increase of 63% regarding gross contributions (during Q1 2015 vs. Q1 2014), higher than the 23% average market value, according to the data published by the Romanian Pension Funds' Association (APAPR).

“BCR Plus represents Pillar III regarding optional pension funds; it recorded an increase regarding the market share of gross contributions, by 5%, from 14% in Q1 214 to 19% in Q1 2015 (according to the data published by APAPR), and its total assets surpassed RON 200 ml. as of 18 September 2015”, stated Lucian Anghel, PhD., Director-General and Directorate President of BCR Pensii.

The “BCR Plus” Optional Pension Fund, managed by BCR Pensii, recorded an increase of 27% in the net assets during Q1 2015, surpassing the market average by 4%, and a 3% increase regarding the market share of net assets, with an average increase of 23% during this period, regarding net assets recorded at market level. At the end of June 2015, the “BCR Plus” Optional Pension Fund had 105,692 participants, which is 15% more than the values recorded in June 2014, with an average increase of 11% in the number of participants at the level of optional pensions market (source: BCR Pensii calculations based on data published by the Financial Supervisory Authority – ASF).

Net assets managed by the two BCR Pensii private pension funds (Pillar 2 and Pillar 3) amounted to RON 1.6 bn. as of 21 September 2015, which is 35% higher as compared to September 2014, and BCR Pensii managed private pension accounts belonging to 630,712 participants as of June 2015 (source: company data and ASF data).

“At the end of August 2015 and during the past 2 years, BCR Plus Optional Pensions Fund recorded an annualized rate of return of 7.932%, to the benefit of our clients, who trusted us on this matter. We also continued investing in the services offered to our clients and thus, in 2015, we launched our new site, www.pensiibcr.ro, which offers a more intuitive navigation and various new or improved characteristics. At present, when accessing pensiibcr.ro, our clients, as well as other persons, can use the chat service; we thus offer our clients permanent support and advice, taking into account the fact that we want to build the foundations of a long-term partnership with them”, stated Melania Mirea, CEO of BCR Pensii.

Also, BCR Pensii clients can access real information and data regarding the savings they have in their individual private pension accounts, through the 24 Pensie service, which can be accessed on www.pensiibcr.ro.

„It is necessary for everyone to understand the crucial need for individual savings, considering the demographic context, as well as the need for a solid financial education and the need to ensure an additional income when retiring. People are more and more interested in optional pensions.

During June 2015, the net average asset of the contributions* to the “BCR Plus” optional pension fund amounted to RON 1,799 (as compared to RON 1,630 in June 2014), i.e. an increase of about 10% according to BCR Pensii calculations based on data published by ASF (Financial Supervisory Authority). BCR Plus recorded an increase of 35% during Q1 2015 regarding new clients who signed up for an optional pension, as compared to Q1 2014, and also 15% higher than the average market increase. During the same period, BCR Plus also recorded a 4% increase of market share regarding the total number of participants, which reached 28.92% in June 2015 (BCR Pensii calculations based on ASF statistics)”, stated Melania Mirea, CEO of BCR Pensii.

“BCR Plus” Optional Pension Fund and BCR Privately Administered Pension Fund are managed by BCR PENSII, SAFPP SA, website www.pensiibcr.ro.

The previous performance is not a guarantee for future accomplishments.

*Calculated as a ratio between the net asset of the fund and the number of participants to the fund.

Banca Comercială Română (BCR), a member of Erste Group, is the most important financial group in Romania, providing universal banking operations (retail, corporate & investment banking, treasury and capital markets), and covering specialty companies working on the leasing market, private pensions and housing banks. BCR is Romania’s No. 1 bank in terms of asset value (€14,4 bn.), in terms of client base and in terms of savings and crediting. BCR is also Romania’s most important financial brand, judging by the client trust rate and by the number of persons who consider that BCR is their main banking partner.

BCR uses a network of 22 corporate business centres and 23 mobile offices devoted to corporate clients, and 509 retails units located in most communities inhabited by at least 10,000 citizens in order to provide a full range of financial products and services. BCR is Romania’s No. 1 bank running on the banking transactions market, since BCR customers have the largest ATM network at their disposal – nearly 2,000 ATMs and 13,500 POS terminals, enabling customers to use their cards for shopping purposes, as well as the complete Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Phone-banking and E-commerce services.

Erste Group is one of the main suppliers of financial services in Eastern European Union. About 46,500 bank officers working in 2,800 branches in seven countries (Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia) assist 16.2 mn. customers. Erste Group reported a total asset pool worth €202,6 bn. and a 56.1% cost-to-income ratio at the end of Q1 of 2015. First-ranking common equity index (Basel 3 implemented partially) has improved to 10.2%.

BCR – External Communication 

Cezar Marin, e-mail: cezar.marin@bcr.ro

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