The international financial magazine Global Finance awarded the best banks in the world at the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund in Washington last weekend. The ranking is based on an annual survey in over 150 countries.

UniCredit Bulbank was awarded Best Bank in Bulgaria for 2016. Lyubomir Mitov, Chief Economist of UniCredit for CEE, received the award on behalf of the bank. (on the picture Mr. Mitov is together with the publisher of Global Finance Joseph Giarraputo)

The magazine points out that its selection criteria include strategic partnerships, indicators for financial stability, competitive prices, introduction of innovations, etc. The selection jury consists of the magazine's editors, market analysts, consultants, etc.

"We do not aim to honor the biggest banks. We aim at finding those which surpass their competitors with a vision for development and strength in the respective markets. The world’s banks continue to deal with a number of headwinds—including geopolitical risk, volatile economic and market conditions and still-changing regulatory regimes. We honor those banks that have the deepest commitment to the markets in which they operate and understanding of the specific needs of customers based in those markets", commented Joseph Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance.

In the past year UniCredit Bulbank was number one in terms of assets, loans for business and households, deposits for companies and citizens, share capital and others. It managed to maintain this position also in the first half of 2016. The sustainable business model is complemented by a systematic focus on continuous investments in the development of innovations in favour of the customers.

Not long ago Global Finance announced UniCredit Bulbank also Best Consumer Digital Bank for 2016.

Global Finance, founded in 1987, has a circulation of 50,050 and readers in 180 countries. Global Finance’s audience includes senior corporate and financial officers responsible for making investment and strategic decisions at multinational companies and financial institutions. Global Finance also targets the 8,000 international portfolio investors responsible for more than 80% of all global assets under professional management.

All the information about the "Best Bank" ranking by countries is available at: GFMag.com

More information for media:

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Mara Bareva, Phone: +359 2 9264 963, nbsb/cbsfwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch

Beatris Nikolova, Phone: +359 2 9232 528, cfbusjt/ojlpmpwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch