Gross lending to customers balance was €33,268m as of 31-Mar-2012. This 2.2% increase over the year is due basically to the positive contribution of Garanti.
In terms of asset quality, the positive performance of the main risk indicators was especially noteworthy. The risk premium stood at 0.29%, 17 basis points down compared to the 2011 figure, while the NPA ratio remained practically stable closing at 1.6% (1.5% as of 31-Dec-2011) and the coverage ratio ended at 114% (123% in December 2011).
Customer funds stood at €21,528m at the end of the first quarter of 2012, 1.8% up on the figure as of 31-Dec-2011, and remained very stable during the 3-month period. These funds decreased 23.3% compared to the same period of the previous year, caused by the reduction of deposits in the wholesale business, since Turkey and the retail business in the area continue to show strong performance.