OREANDA-NEWS. April 27, 2011. Results released by leading rating agencies on Russian bank financing of small and medium-sized enterprises in 2010 show Uniastrum Bank firmly established among the nation’s Top-20 SME lenders, reported the press-centre of Uniastrum Bank.

Uniastrum Bank placed 6th by credit portfolio and 11th by total loans disbursed to small and mid-sized enterprises according to rankings compiled by RosBusinessConsulting news agency on the basis of 2010 performance. Results released by Expert RA show Uniastrum ranking 13th by SME portfolio value as of year-start 2011. Meantime, figures prepared by web portal Creditforbusiness.ru site the Bank as Russia’s 9th biggest SME financer, up 4 notches on the year-earlier showing.

As of January 1, 2011, Uniastrum issued more than 1,695 loans totaling Rb 27 bn to small and mid-sized enterprises, expanding its credit portfolio to over Rb 37 bn. In 2010 the lender’s small business portfolio grew 92%, weighing in at Rb 8.84 bn as year-start 2011. Uniastrum currently has over 2,000 SB customers, their number increasing 64% in 2010.

Uniastrum Bank has recently launched a new loan initiative for the country’s SME sector called Sensible Credit for Small Business, which is an exclusive package of credit options that enables borrowers to select the most suitable loan facility depending on their goals, financial strength, and/or individual projects. Conspicuous benefits of Uniastrum’s lending programs include a special scheme whereby customers pay a lower interest rate over the course of the loan term, generous repayment periods, quick and easy access to funding, no hidden charges, special terms for certain business sectors and favorable conditions for renegotiating loans taken out with other banks. To apply online and to book a meeting with one of Uniastrum’s loan advisers, visit www.uniastrum.ru.

“Our SME lending program kicked off in 2007, and since late 2009 we’ve held leadership positions on the small and medium business finance market,” notes Eugene Tutkevich, Chairman of Uniastrum’s Management Board. “In 2010 we succeeded in doubling the size of our SB portfolio thanks primarily to our determination to expand this particular line. This year we are also planning a 2-fold uptick in our SB portfolio, boosting it to Rb 17 bn.”