As a result of obtaining authorisation as a credit institution, the Baltic Investment Group's business name is changing to Baltic Investment Group Bank AS, with the company continuing to use its "BIG' trademark".

A credit institution is obliged to use the word "bank" in its business name according to credit institution legislation.

"Becoming a credit institution means broader possibilities for the company to find financial sources for its activities," said BIG chairman Targo Raus. "But in customers\' eyes we\'ll still be BIG - there won\'t be any major changes."

BIG does not plan to start competing on the universal bank market and will continue instead to concentrate on services, in which it has gained significant experience and market share in its 10 years of operation, said Raus.

AS Balti Investeeringute Grupp is the largest specialised lender of money to private clients in the Baltic States after banks and leasing companies. Its loan portfolio exceeds 300 million EEK and it has more than 8000 clients in Estonia. At the end of August the company\'s assets totalled 354 million EEK. Its goal is to provide both private and business clients with fast, attentive and flexible financial services. The company currently has 11 branches throughout Estonia and more than 80 employees.

Further information:

Targo Raus
Chairman of the Board
targo.raus@big.ee
630 9938