The Baltic Investment Group Bank (BIG) is set to boost the security of its SMS loan service, introducing additional procedures for the identification of the individual taking out the loan.

According to the bank's Marketing and Sales Manager, Kaido Saar, borrowers will now have the option, where required, to register themselves in advance online or at a branch. "What we're aiming for in introducing this change is to increase the security of our SMS loan system," Saar explained. "We hope to get it started next week."

BIG's SMS loan service will be suspended until this additional security step is introduced. Those interested in making use of the service in the meantime can apply for loans at BIG branches or via the bank's website, www.big.ee. Further information is available by phoning 1333.

BIG has been offering SMS loans since December 2006. These loans currently account for slightly more than one percent of BIG's loan portfolio.

SMS loans are offered by another six companies in Estonia in addition to BIG, which is the only credit institution to do so.

The Baltic Investment Group Bank (BIG) is an Estonian-owned bank and the largest specialist lender to private clients and companies in the Baltic States after universal banks and leasing firms. BIG's goal is to provide both private and business clients with fast, attentive and flexible financial services. At the end of 2006, BIG had a total of 44,000 clients in Estonia and Latvia. It has 260 employees. BIG's bonds are listed on the Tallinn Stock Exchange.

For further information please contact:

Kaido Saar
Marketing and Sales Manager
Telephone: +372 630 9927