Moldova, once Europe's worst performing economy, is enjoying a long-awaited upturn. An ambitious government reform effort to liberalise the economy, promote growth and reduce poverty has met with remarkable success and since 2001 the economy has grown by an average of 6.5°/o a year.

Reliable banking services to support business are key to maintaining that record and the Finance and Trade Bank (FinComBank) S.A, one of Moldova's first commercial banks, established in 1993, is one of the most respected financial institutions in the country. Providing corporate services to leading domestic companies, FinComBank clients represent all major sectors of the naţional economy. With 11 branch offices and 11 agencies, at the beginning of June this year the bank's assets stood at $42 million, with deposits of almost $26 million. Shareholder equity was $8.6 million.

FinComBank has always considered itself a pioneer. With almost 240 staff and 37000 clients today, the bank became the first to introduce VISA, Diners Club and Europay International cârd services back in 1995. As one of the earliest Moldovan commercial banks it has long experience working with western partners and has built a strong internaţional correspondent network.

FinComBank offers a wide range of services. It is an official primary dealer in government organised T-bill auctions authorized to undertake forex and interbank currency operations, provides credits to local farmers (a key sector of the economy) and consumer finance loans, deposit accounts in both domestic and foreign currencies, Western Union transfers, e-bank-ing, foreign trade financing and securities dealing.

FinComBank also has extensive experience working with leading internaţional institutions. It participates in the World Bank Small and Medium Sized Enterprise Credit Line, USAID's Program of Microenterprise and Small Business Development, and the Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs' Mortgage Lending Program. In 2002 FinComBank signed a loan agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and became a member of Rural Finance and Small Enterprises Development program sponsored by International Fund of Agriculture Development (IFAD).

FinComBank's mission is to be at the forefront of technology and product innovation to serve the Moldovan community in providing top quality banking services in order to grow as a successful universal bank, well recognized for its professionalism by its customers, its staff and stakeholders.