BCR Group, results 2024: Higher business volume with clients and significant progress in financing the economy

The BCR Group posted a net profit of RON 2.76 billion (EUR 556 million) in 2024, up 19.2% from RON 2.32 billion (EUR 469 million) in 2023, while operating income rose 15.6% to RON 6.09 billion (EUR 1.22 billion) in 2024 from RON 5.27 billion (EUR 1.06 billion) in 2023.    BCR realized a net profit of RON 2.7 billion (EUR 556 million) in 2024, up 19.2% from RON 2.32 billion (EUR 469 million) in 2023, thanks to an improved operational performance, supported by a significantly higher volume of customer business. Operating income improved by 19.3% to RON 3.8 billion (EUR 769 million) in 2024 from RON 3.2 billion (EUR 648 million) in 2023, on the back of a strong increase in operating income and good management of operating expenses. Net interest income increased by 20.4% to RON 4.4 billion (EUR 885 million) in 2024 from RON 3.6 billion (EUR 739 million) in 2023, driven by higher business volume. Net fee and commission income improved 11.4% to RON 1.12 billion (EUR 227 million) in 2024 from RON 1.01 billion (EUR 205 million) in 2023, driven by higher business volume.   “We have financed 6,500 companies generating 280,000 jobs, supporting economic opportunities and local business expansion. We have accelerated digitalization in BCR for simple, fast and personalized banking, and we have brought financial education to over 1.8 million Romanians through the Money School, as well as the Financial Coaching service, through which we offer customers a financial plan tailored to their life goals. In addition, we have launched ZBOR, the ecosystem dedicated to young people in Romania, where we provide the new generations with the necessary resources for personal and professional development. The results reconfirm BCR’s role as a solid partner for Romania’s economy and give us the conviction that strategic investments in digitalization and education are essential for growth. And together with more than 5,200 colleagues and 3 million customers, we will continue to build our banking model, based on expertise, integrity and long-term vision”, says Sergiu Manea, CEO of Banca Comerciala Romana.   Net income from trading and financial instruments at fair value decreased by 6.3% to RON 517 million (EUR 104 million) in 2024 from RON 552 million (EUR 112 million) in 2023. Operating income increased 15.6% to RON 6.09 billion (EUR 1.22 billion) in 2024 from RON 5.27 billion (EUR 1.06 billion) in 2023, driven by higher net interest income and net fee and commission income.   The NPL ratio stood at 2.6% in December 2024, down from 2.9% in December 2023. This positive development reflects the growth in the portfolio of loans granted to customers, the good trend in recoveries in both the retail and corporate segments, and the low level of new non-performing loan formations. At the same time, the provision coverage ratio of non-performing loans stood at 168.8% in December 2024. In retail banking business, BCR generated total new loans to individuals and micro businesses of RON 15.6 billion in 2024. The stock of unsecured consumer loans (including credit cards and overdrafts) increased by 51.9% yoy. At the same time, the stock of standard mortgage loans (Casa Mea) in local currency increased by 12.1% yoy, with Prima Casa loan portfolio impacted by declining demand. Additionally, the loan stock for microenterprises also increased by 10.4% year-on-year.   In corporate banking business, BCR approved new corporate loans of RON 13.9 billion in 2024, of which approximately 28% are aimed for investments. The total BCR Leasing financing portfolio granted to customers in 2024 amounts RON 4.64 billion (EUR 933 million), with a 12.5% increase compared to 2023. BCR’s leasing subsidiary continued to support the Romanian entrepreneurial environment, and recorded the strongest growth in the construction, transportation, healthcare and trade sectors.   This year, BCR Leasing accelerated its digital transformation and launched eBCR Leasing, Romania’s first 100% online car financial leasing solution for single-partner businesses. The platform allows entrepreneurs to access financing in a simply, fast and secure way, eliminating the bank trips. To support entrepreneurs, BCR Leasing launched Lease EduFin, a financial education initiative on leasing, which can be found on www.bcrleasing.ro. Here, entrepreneurs can access useful and up-to-date information on financing solutions, costs and benefits, as well as what is involved in accessing and managing financial leasing.   In addition, LEA, the AI chatbot available 24/7 on the BCR Leasing website, has facilitated quick access to information and services, helping customers to manage their leasing relationship in an easier way. To date, 73% of BCR Leasing customers, regardless of ownership structure, have gone through the process of updating their personal data 100% online, directly from LEA.   In 2024, BCR Social Finance financed more than 2,500 micro-enterprises, including 1,300 in the agribusiness sector, providing financing worth 33.2 million euro, and supporting over 3,000 jobs. In addition, it financed 36 NGOs and social enterprises, contributing to the wellbeing of over 30,000 beneficiaries and sustaining more than 900 jobs. These grants supported the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Furthermore, BCR Social Finance granted 223 StudyUP loans for continuous education through university, masters, doctoral, or specialization courses, supporting lifelong learning.   Moreover, BCR, through its Social Banking team, provided 2 million euros in financing to organizations with a social impact, contributing to improved living conditions for 1,000 beneficiaries and the creation and maintenance of over 140 jobs. One of the financed associations is Help Autism, the largest organization in Romania dedicated to Autism Spectrum Disorders, which supports over 3,300 children and young people through specialized therapy programs.   AmpliFY ONG, the initiative of BCR Social Finance and Launch Romania, with the support of BCR, Bursa Binelui and ERSTE Foundation, which was launched in December 2023 with the aim of supporting the development of the NGO environment in Romania, has already reached over 1,400 people from the non-profit sector, who have registered in the community and participated in physical or online events. In 2024, AmplyFY NGO held 15 online workshops on topics of interest for NGOs, such as diversifying funding sources, measuring impact, and sustainable business models.   Also in 2024, Marc was launched, a regional program developed by the ERSTE Foundation, ERSTE Social Finance Holding, and Simpact IFUA, implemented in Romania by BCR and Synerb. Marc aims to support businesses in Romania focused on social impact, facilitating access to financing and sustainable development. In October 2024, 24 local impact entrepreneurs were selected to be part of Marc’s first cohort.   At the end of 2024, BCR Seed Starter, the first corporate venture capital (CVC) company established by a bank in Romania, made its first investment of 500,000 euros in FieldOS, an innovative platform in the Field Services Management (FSM)/Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) vertical. BCR Seed Starter aims to support startups that optimize banking processes, help expand BCR’s portfolio of services for its clients, or integrate ESG standards, thus contributing to a more sustainable financial ecosystem.