Banque de Tunisie is one of the oldest private financial institutions operating in north Africa, having been founded in 1884, and today remains a middle-market bank with a market share of about 7% to 8% in a sector in which its competes with 20 banks. The bank maintains a conservative focus on the balance between investments and its capital resources, which are the strongest in the Tunisian market.
Banque de Tunisie is the best capitalised company on the Tunisian stock exchange, a feature that has encouraged confidence from investors as well as the customer base. It takes a conservative approach to expansion, opening an average of two to three new branches a year. Nevertheless, it is an active player in all major market segments, with a strong presence in the SME-to-large corporate sector. It is also a leader in serving the retail client base.
The bank’s stated objective is to continue to improve its quality of customer service and maintain steady and sustainable growth. A key aim is to develop a more diversified business mix and introduce new technology-based products. The strategy has paid off, as reflected in the bank’s growth and performance measures for 2006. Last year, it achieved an 8.46% increase in Tier 1 capital. The bank expanded its asset base by 5.53% and grew net profits by 16.96%. Efficiency ratios showed positive results, with RoE up at 14.42% and the cost-income ratio down to 31.89%.
