Serbian banks battle for market share

Foreign and local banks are preparing for intense competition to win market share in one of Europe’s fastest-growing financial sectors. Those not already in the field are likely to find this an expensive business. Nick Saywell reports.

THE BATTLE LINES are being drawn up in Belgrade this spring. Like ranks of lances each adorned with the badge of its liege lord, rows of lampposts all around the city are decorated with the logos of Serbia’s competing financial institutions. The battle of the banks is about to begin in earnest.

At stake is a share in one of Europe’s fastest-growing banking industries. Measured in euros, banking assets in Serbia grew by 44% last year, following 22% growth in 2004.

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