For the 30th consecutive year, Global Finance has announced its annual awards for the best banks in the world. Unquestionably, UniCredit Bulbank once again won the first place in Bulgaria.

The winners were honored in more than 150 countries and territories in Africa, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.

"This year's Best Bank Awards recognize financial institutions that offer the broadest range of services, as well as the reliability needed for long-term financial relationships," commented Joseph D. Giarraputo, founder and editorial director of Global Finance.

"We are happy to be recognized again as the best bank in Bulgaria in the prestigious ranking of Global Finance. At UniCredit Bulbank, we consistently continue to offer reliable and innovative products and services, to support our clients and stakeholders in the challenges they face and their desire for growth, as well as to ensure the peace of mind and security of their funds", commented Tzvetanka Mintcheva, CEO of UniCredit Bulbank.

In distinguishing the best banks, Global Finance evaluates factors ranging from objective quantitative indicators to subjective informative criteria. The objective criteria include: asset growth, profitability, geographical coverage, strategic relationships, new business development and product innovation. The subjective criteria include the opinions of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants and other industry participants.

The winners were selected by the editors of Global Finance after extensive consultation with corporate finance executives, bankers and banking consultants and analysts from around the world. In addition, financial institutions were encouraged to share specific information in support of their applications.

The winners of this year's awards are banks that have taken care of their clients' needs in the complex market environment and achieved strong results while laying the foundations for future success. The award-winning organizations have managed their assets and liabilities in a reasonable manner in light of rapidly changing interest rate scenarios.

---

Additional media information:

Ekaterina Ancheva, tel +359 894 518 193 , flbufsjob/bodifwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch

Darina Radoslavova, tel +359 887 505273, Ebsjob/SbeptmbwpwbAVojDsfejuHspvq/CH