Natexis Banques Populaires has reported figures, based on estimates presented yesterday to the Board of Directors, showing net banking income reaching some Ђ2,440 million in 2003.
Corporate and International Banking continued to record strong growth, contributing an estimated Ђ784 million to net banking income, an increase of 12%. This rise was spurred by the good performance of Structured Finance, despite the negative impact of the weak dollar. Specialized Financing contributed some Ђ190 million, a decrease of 1%, reflecting a slight decline in factoring business, which was offset by 4% growth in lease financing. Risk-weighted loans of the Financing business decreased by 6% to Ђ39.6 billion, as a result of ongoing containment of these loans and the US dollar impact.