OREANDA-NEWS. December 28, 2011. Transformation of St.Petersburg and North-Western branches into the unified business structure is the pilot project within the bounds of Rosbank network reorganization in order to increase profitability and quality of branches’ performance.

United North-West branch consists of 56 outlets and 174 ATMs in St. Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Kaliningrad, Murmansk, Novgorod, Pskov regions, Komi Republic and Karelia The branch is the 5th in the region by network size. Ilya Zlynitsin is appointed Head of the branch, Elena Sheveleva – his deputy.

As for December 1, 2011 the total loan portfolio of the branch amounts RUB 44,2 bln where RUB 26 bln come to retail banking. Branch income increased up to RUB 3,3 bln, the amount of issued banking cards exceeded 500 thousands.

The unification of the network structure will allow the bank increasing its efficiency. One of the key objectives is to reduce the administrative tasks done in the network. It will be done through the centralization of support functions as well as transformation of some main branches into operating offices. Since 2007 34 main branches have changed their status, now the bank has 43 main branches. The transformation process will be completed in 2012, the number of main branches should reach approximately 12.

In accordance with the new network organization there will be a split into business territories; the business-centers to serve corporate clients will be opened. The new format of retail clients service will be introduced – mini-branches. This type of branches requires minimal cost to open and serve, but allows to offer customers a wide range of banking services.

To preserve the balance between the network size and its profitability, the bank will be closing inefficient branches; meanwhile the new branches will be opened at the optimum in terms of business districts. A number of branches will be increased in big cities with over a million inhabitants.