The CEO of the National Bank, Pavlos Mylonas, mentioned the achievements of the National Bank in 2023, as well as the prospects for a positive environment for the economy and the banks, during today’s regular General Meeting of shareholders.

The General Assembly approved the bank’s financial statements for 2023 and the overall management of the Board of Directors. Furthermore, the General Assembly approved the own share purchase program, a decision which, however, is subject to the approval of the Unified Supervisory Mechanism.

The General Assembly of shareholders approved the dividend distribution, for the first time in 16 years. The dividend corresponds to 30% of the bank’s net profits in 2023. Also, G.S. of the shareholders renewed the term of office of the members of the Board of Directors, the president and the managing director of the National Bank for another three years.

In his speech, at the beginning of the General Assembly, the president of the National Bank Gikas Hardouvelisemphasized that the National Bank has already turned the page and is playing a leading role in the development of the domestic banking system and the course of development of the Greek economy.

We are proud, he underlined, of the great change that has taken place in recent years and the significant improvement in all areas. For the transformation of the bank which is a project of years and permeates horizontally all its activities and its culture. For its new identity, for its adaptation to modern international operating standards, for compliance with ESG rules, for its contribution to the economy and society. For the fact, Mr. Hardouvelis added, that National is becoming more and more modern and competitive, maintaining its traditional values ​​that have guided it since 1841.

The managing director of the National Bank, Pavlos Mylonas, speaking afterwards, underlined that 2023 was a milestone year for the National Bank, with practical and widespread recognition of the effort of the last 5 years, especially by the shareholders, by the supervisors, by the evaluation houses , from customers but also from the wider society.

For the next few years, Mr. Mylonas stated that the macroeconomic and political environment is predicted to be stable and favorable for the country with healthy growth. Hence, there will be strong demand for lending, spearheaded by business investment. In this positive environment, he added, the demand for loans from individuals is also strengthening, especially in the field of housing loans.

Concluding his speech, Mr. Mylonas pointed out that the goal of National Bank is to reward the trust of its shareholders and obviously to be the bank of first choice for its customers.