In the first quarter of 2006 the loan portfolio of Baltic Investment Group Bank AS (BIG) continued to experience rapid growth. It grew by 29% during the period and amounted to 585 million kroons by the end of the quarter. At the same time the quality of the loan portfolio has not diminished and discount sums have not increased either.

The bank\'s owners\' equity grew in the first quarter at the expense of earned profit by 23%, as a result of which the proportion of owners\' equity in involved instruments has not decreased, regardless of the rapid growth in loan volumes.

The activity and favourable influence of the economic environment has seen an increase in BIG\'s market share in the small and retail loans sector. The bank  continues to focus on the issuance of loans as its main sector, further developing the quality of the goods it offers.

BIG has also started to offer its clients the chance to deposit their savings as short-term deposits of between 1 and 3 years. The interest rate offered is very competitive in comparison with other credit institutions, and our clients have been very active in making use of this opportunity. The inclusion of deposits further increases the bank\'s financial stability and allows it to continue issuing loans at the same rate.

The Baltic Investment Group Bank (BIG), which received its credit institution licence last year, is the youngest bank based on Estonian capital and the largest specialist lender to private clients in the Baltic States after universal banks and leasing companies.

BIG\'s goal is to provide both private and business clients with fast, attentive and flexible financial services. BIG has 119 employees.

BIG\'s debt securities are listed on the Tallinn Stock Exchange.

Targo Raus
Chairman of the Board
Phone: 6309 938