OREANDA-NEWS. November 23, 2010. Ukio bankas within nine months of this year issued 7 times more loans for natural persons than in the same period last year. Consumer loans as well as other types of loans have been granted to 321 natural person, reported the press-centre of  Ukio Bankas.

Mindaugas Pasvenskas, Head of Ukio bankas Credit Service Unit said, that clients borrow more confidently and the amounts of loans are bigger this year. The loans issued this year range from LTL 700 to LTL 40 000.

“Such revival of consumer loans was caused by several reasons, though the most important among them – greater confidentiality of people regarding their future income and more stable possibility to plan their income and expenses. Additionally, interest of consumer loans decreased this year, therefore the terms of borrowing from the bank improve”, - says Mindaugas Pasvenskas.

Loans by residents are usually taken for car purchasing, dwelling repair, household appliances. However, M. Pasvenskas admitted, that high unemployment rate of residents still is the greatest obstacle for faster growth of natural persons loan portfolio.

“Problem of unemployment in metropolitan cities is very relevant, though in regional towns and settlements it is crucial. Having 60 units in all Lithuania we observe social situation that allows presumptions that loan issue processes will not get faster until positive trends occur in labor market. People will not borrow until they are sure they can afford to repay loans – says Head of Ukio bankas Credit Service Unit.

According to M. Pasvenskas, Lithuania’s residents have learned lessons of the crisis and take loans very responsibly having evaluated own financial possibilities.