Political and economic stability as well as the effective management of non-performing loans (NPLs) are two of the five main preconditions that would allow the domestic banking system to contribute effectively to Greeceās growth and provide loans to small and medium-sized businesses, the head of the Hellenic Bank Association, Louka Katseli, said.
Katseli, who is also the governor of the National Bank of Greece (NBG), was speaking at an event organized by Greek-German Business Forum and the Economist Conferences on Greek innovation and the role of start-ups in the economyās return to growth.
The NBG governor said the first precondition is to complete the countryās program review to achieve political and economic stability in the country so that banks can help the real economy. āThe banking system, not only in Greece but also internationally, is not isolated from the wider economic and political environment. The successful completion of the first review of the Greek program is the first key parameter in building confidence and reducing uncertainty,ā she said.
The second precondition is ensuring a climate of stability to the financial system that would allow the return of bank deposits. The third is the effective management of NPLs and specifically of business portfolios held by banks.
The fourth element is creating innovative funding tools to attract investments, by limiting the cost of money, especially for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as improving corporate governance in the banking system. Katseli said the last precondition is to have a comprehensive rebranding of the Greek financial system.
(source: ana-mpa)
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