Nova Banka: Best SME Bank Balkans 2015

Established in 1999 and one of the first privately-owned banks to open in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nova Bank has grown into one of the region’s premier financial services providers and now also boasts a presence in the Republika Srpska which jointly with the federation forms Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A full-service institution, Nova Bank offers both corporate and retail clients a comprehensive suite of banking products in addition to brokerage, custody, factoring, and forfeiting services. Aa a one-stop window for all financial services, Nova Bank maintains an unequalled regional footprint with twelve branch offices, a network of brokerage offices, agencies, and service counters, in addition to a modern head office in the heart of Banja Luka’s financial district.

The bank’s multiple distribution channels include an online platform that enables clients convenient access to the available palette of products and services. With unparalleled proximity to its clients, Nova Bank is exceptionally well-poised to serve the buoyant SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) sector. Lines of communication are kept short, while decisions are made locally and benefit from streamlined procedures that enables Nova Bank to quickly respond to the needs of the business community.

Listed on the Banja Luka Stock Exchange since 2002, Nova Bank is one of twelve publically traded companies that compose the BIRS share index. The lion’s share of Nova Bank shares (approx. 80%) is held by domestic investors. However, the largest shareholder of the bank is the Adriatic Fund BV of The Netherlands (14.8%).

Nova Bank maintains a fully-featured corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme and adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance. The bank’s efforts at increasing both transparency and governance have been recognised by a number of prestigious entities. As a result of its straightforward approach to business, Nova Bank has registered solid growth across all business segments. Its profitability is amongst the highest in the Bosnia and Herzegovina financial services industry.

The CFI.co judging panel commends Nova Bank on maintaining stellar track record and underpinning the country’s economy with an approach to banking that drives the growth of local business. The judges are happy to confer the 2015 Best SME Bank Balkans Award on Nova Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina.