OREANDA-NEWS. September 23, 2009. Uniastrum Bank is prolonging its U-Super Prime initiative until November 1, 2009. The credit scheme is targeted primarily at large corporate borrowers feeling the financial pinch who are in need of funds to cover day-to-day expenses and refinance existing loans and other commitments, reported the press-centre of Uniastrum Bank.

At a time when many Russian banks prefer to keep lending rates high, Uniastrum Bank remains committed to its forward-looking, recession-fighting strategy. One such example is its U-Super Prime option, which enables borrowers to take out upwards of US3 mn (or euro equivalent) on favorable repayment terms unparalleled anywhere on the Russian market. The interest rate on loans issued in foreign currency is just 10.7 APR, with a onetime disbursement fee equal to 2.7% of the loan amount.

A U-Super Prime loan can be used for any purpose, e.g. for replenishing current assets (for a period of up to 5 years with installments at least once every 12 months), or for investment purposes (up to 10 years and subject to an agreed repayment schedule).

Borrower eligibility criteria are standard: two-year work experience and no negative credit history (long-term or repeated delinquency, judgment recovery, etc.), with real estate lodged as collateral. Not only companies, but also unincorporated businesses are eligible to apply for the loan. Even so, U-Super Prime is primarily geared toward supporting community-minded businesses, particularly local economic mainstays and major employers, as well as enterprises with a strong social commitment.

There are three types of U-Super Prime loan available:

a single loan amount credited to the borrower’s account;

a revolving credit line (with a limit on the difference between drawdown amounts and loan payments);

a non-revolving credit line (with a limit on the total amount of funds advanced to the borrower).
Interest is payable monthly, with principal repayment terms individually tailored to the client’s business.

“The U-Super Prime lending option is something you won’t find anywhere else on the Russian banking market,” says Natalia Gryaznova, Director of Uniastrum’s Corporate Lending Division. “Once people got to hear about the program, we found ourselves looking at a large number of applications totaling more than Rb 14 bn. We understand our clients’ financing needs and stand by our pledge to do everything we can to accommodate them - which is why we opted to extend the promotion period. Moving forward, Uniastrum Bank will continue to offer its customers unbeatable loan payment options, while at the same time providing flexible and personalized solutions.”