- In spite of an impressive catch-up process CEE households´ net financial wealth in terms of GDP is one fourth that of the major developed countries on average, which indicates a significant scope for further convergence
- In terms of assets, a moderate shift towards institutionalized assets will continue in the next years, but cash and deposits will likely remain dominant
- Regarding liabilities, housing loans will outpace consumer loans, when excluding Russia and Turkey
- Overall, banks will likely continue to be key financial intermediaries in CEE, with further potential to enhance their role as financial advisors for households
The net financial wealth of CEE households has more than doubled since 2004 and approached around EUR 780 billion in 2013. Nevertheless CEE households´ net financial wealth is, in terms of GDP, still roughly one fourth that of the major developed countries on average, showing significant scope for further convergence towards Western Europe. These are some of the key findings of a new study published by UniCredit´s CEE Strategic Analysis department. However, the global financial crisis in 2008 / 2009, and to a lower extent the European sovereign debt crisis in 2011, caused a temporary decline in financial wealth mainly due to losses in capital markets as well as a change in the composition of financial assets. In comparison, the net financial wealth of households in Austria, Germany and Italy amounted to EUR 6,800 billion in 2013.
In general, the financial penetration gap between CEE countries and more developed markets is primarily visible on the assets rather than on the liabilities side. "Going forward, convergence of CEE households´ net financial wealth towards Western European standards will gradually continue and will mainly be driven by an acceleration of savings and investments", said Gianni Franco Papa, Head of CEE Division at UniCredit.
Some shift towards more sophisticated products, but cash assets to remain dominant
Looking at the composition of financial assets, 'cash assets', comprising currency and bank deposits, still represent the majority. As a consequence of the global financial crisis 2008 / 2009 CEE households have reallocated significant parts of their capital to cash assets. Subsequently, they started to gradually move back to institutionalized assets such as mutual and pension funds and insurance technical reserves, showing again a more long-term orientation and a grown confidence. "A moderate shift towards institutionalized assets will continue in the coming years", outlined Carmelina Carluzzo, Deputy Head of CEE Strategic Analysis at UniCredit, "Nevertheless 'cash assets' will remain the dominant asset class with some differentiation across countries."
In this context, the reinforcement of local capital markets is being encouraged, as it would enable households to diversify their portfolio allocation choices and banks to optimise their domestic funding sources.
Housing loans outpace consumer loans due to lower penetration
"On the liabilities side, despite cross-country differentiation, housing loans have generally grown faster than consumer loans in the most recent years", stated Gianni Franco Papa, adding, "We expect this trend to persist, although households will continue to adjust their debt levels in some CEE countries." From 2004 to 2008, housing loans grew by a compound annual growth rate of 37.8 per cent, while in the period 2008 to 2013 the CAGR was 8.2 per cent. The compound annual growth rates of consumer loans were 31.6 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively. As of last year, housing loans made up for 57 per cent of the total financial liabilities of CEE households[i].
Overall, total financial liabilities made up 21 per cent of the regional GDP in Central and Eastern Europe in 2013, while the figure was 59 per cent in Austria, Germany and Italy. By contrast, total financial assets came to 48 per cent of the regional GDP in CEE and 207 per cent in Austria, Germany and Italy.
Banks to remain important financial intermediaries
In the end, households still seem to rely on traditional banking products. For this reason, banks will continue to be key financial intermediaries in Central and Eastern Europe. "Indeed, there is room for banks to enhance their role as financial advisors for CEE households", summarised Carmelina Carluzzo. She added, "This would allow households to find the right individual balance between financial investments and debt, thus reinforcing a virtuous cycle for local economies, which has gained ground only recently."
First in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of expertise and network
Despite several challenges, UniCredit still considers CEE its 'engine for growth' and is committed to being a long-term investor in the region. The banking group operates an extensive network with nearly 3,600 branches in 14 countries, which generates around 30 per cent of total Group revenues. Through its International Centers, UniCredit serves more than 19,000 international customers operating in CEE. With its expertise in political contexts, local regulations and market practices, it supports customers running their businesses and identifying new opportunities.
"Over the last two years, we have acquired about 1.4 million new retail customers in Central and Eastern Europe", explained Gianni Franco Papa, Head of CEE Division at UniCredit, adding, "In order to perpetuate this positive trend, we are currently investing a great deal of effort into the seamless integration of the real and the virtual world and into transforming our business into a truly multi-channel banking service." In building sustainable customer relationships, UniCredit focuses on customer centricity, simple products and processes, and innovation and new technologies.
Bank Pekao - highest performing bank but also institution supporting key values of society
Bank Pekao is the top corporate bank and second biggest retail franchise in Poland. Almost
4.5 million retail clients, 260 thousand SMEs and 18 thousand corporate clients entrusted Pekao their financial future. Its time-tested business model with proven strategies and goals allows to benefit from an operating philosophy that provides sustainable, competitive advantages.
Bank has been playing a material role in stimulating economic development, continuing its policy of financing Polish families and providing services to the business. In 2013 Pekao granted PLN 11 billion of key retail loans, increasing total loan exposure by 9.9% y/y to PLN 44.5 billion. Corporate lending portfolio increased by +3.8% to PLN 65 billion. Bank remained the main lender of key infrastructure projects in Poland supporting development of the country and helping in improving quality of life.
Bank Pekao philosophy is based on customer-centric approach - in 2013 Pekao acquired almost 450 thousand of new clients thanks to innovative approach, leveraging on clients recommendations and dedication of its employees. Bank successfully institutionalized this into Klientomania project, which is continued further in 2014.
Pekao expects that during next years Polish banking sector landscape will be shaped by material demographic changes, with population stagnated and ageing, increased share of banked customers and further wealth accumulation. Share of multichannel customers will continue to grow, but demand for branch services would remain significant. Therefore Pekao is focussed on being innovative and customer oriented institution, adapted to enhanced needs and expectations of all group of customers.
"We have an ambitious to be not only solid and reliable bank, but also institution supporting economic development and key values of our society. We aim at contributing to strengthen society of equal chances, promoting growth of economy and quality of life" - said Luigi Lovaglio, CEO and President of Management Board of Bank Pekao.
Warsaw, 14 May 2014
Note:
[i] The data in this paragraph refer to CEE excl. Russia and Turkey