New AIR strategy is about our commitments to customers, employees and society

Forbes October 2021

New AIR strategy is about our commitments to customers, employees and society

Credit Agricole is the oldest foreign bank in Ukraine that belongs to the three most financially resilient banks. The Bank has just presented its new strategy – AIR – where it stated strategic focuses of its development in Ukraine for the next 5 years. Deputy CEU of Credit Agricole Ukraine Larysa Bondarieva shared the details of strategic goals.  How Credit Agricole helps business develop and be sustainable

Photo by Artem Galkin for FORBES UKRAINE, 2021

Development and support of customers

Despite the challenging 2020, Credit Agricole supported the recovery of the Ukrainian economy. We did not stop lending and we continue confident growth in 2021. SME loan portfolio increased by 60%, local corporate business portfolio – by 30%.   

In 2021, we observe record-high amounts of investments, in particular, into agribusiness. Just for purchase of agricultural machinery, we have disbursed more than UAH 1 billion this year. Our clients upgrade their fixed assets, which means confident and long-term planning for the future. We can observe that companies from various industries, both Ukrainian and international, invest into infrastructural projects rather actively. Recent surveys of international companies in Ukraine demonstrated that more than 35% of them intend to increase their investments. This is a positive sign, and sustainable finance provided by banks plays an important role in this process.

Currently, Ukrainian companies prevail in our portfolio: from small business to large corporates. The development level of the Ukrainian business impresses by its changes for the better. This concerns efficiency, quality of equipment and technologies, as well as qualification of the staff. Result-oriented approach, ongoing improvement process, high-quality education, knowledge of the advanced international experience and ability to adapt quickly allow them to continuously develop and adequately compete.

Orientation to sustainable development within the new AIR 2025 strategy

AIR 2025 is the development strategy of the bank in Ukraine. It proves our intention to develop in Ukraine and sets out our commitments to the customers, employees and society. Our objective is to act in the ethical, transparent and responsible manner, to achieve leadership in the target markets, to support our employees’ expertise and development of innovations, and to improve relations with customers. We strive to be a reliable partner to our clients and not just a financial institution.   

Our traditional focuses include support of agrarian segment, international business and car lending. We will enhance the support to private customers and small business. And for sure, Ukrainian business can rely on Credit Agricole. We are one of the leaders of agro market but we also have profound expertise in other industries. The share of agri-agro sector in our corporate portfolio is about 50% but we invest into various sectors: health care, automobiles, industry, retail, logistics, etc. We are ready to support the companies whose philosophy we believe in.

Responsible attitude to the society and the environment is in the heart of our development. We commit to reduce our carbon footprint in the coming years. We will support the projects of our customers in the renewable energy sector. We aim to reach 10% share of green finance in the corporate business loan portfolio by 2025. WE will work on companies assessment according to ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) criteria. This will be a gradual process since the market should be prepared. Our mission is to implement the best international standards and expertise of Credit Agricole Group in Ukraine.

Synergy with Credit Agricole Group

Credit Agricole experience in Ukraine and globally, strong expertise in many areas allow us to be helpful for our clients and to build long-term relations. We offer not only banking services but also support, consulting, and comprehensive business solutions. Thanks to support of Credit Agricole Group and understanding of local market specifics, we can provide high-quality support to international companies in Ukraine and drive the development of the Ukrainian business both in Ukraine and abroad.