About UBB

Management Board

Peter Andronov

Chairman of the Country Team of KBC Group for Bulgaria, Country Manager of KBC Group for Bulgaria, Chairman of the Management Board of UBB, CEO of UBB.

Peter Andronov is chairman of the Management board and CEO of United Bulgarian Bank after the acquisition of UBB by the Belgian finance group KBC Group in June 2017. His career in KBC Group starts in July 2007, when appointed for an executive director of CIBANK. In March 2008 hе became Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and since March 2011 he has been Country Manager of KBC Group for Bulgaria.

The professional experience of Peter Andronov includes a number of positions in the private banking sector and the Bulgarian National Bank. From 2002 until May 2007 he headed the Banking Supervision Department at the BNB. From 2003 until May 2007 he was a member of the Management Board of the Reserve Guarantee Fund. He has been involved in the elaboration of the currently effective legislation framework on bank supervision in Bulgaria, incl. the Credit Institutions’ Act, the Supplementary Supervision of Financial Conglomerates Act, the BNB’s supervisory ordinances, instructions etc. Peter Andronov is also a member of the BNB’s Investment Committee.

In the period 2005 – 2007 Peter Andronov was an observer and member of the European Banking Committee (EBC) and the Committee of European Banking Supervisors (CEBS) at the European Commission. In the same time he was an observer and member of the Banking Supervision Committee (BSC) at the European Central Bank.

Since 2008 Peter Andronov has also been a member of the Management Board of the Association of Banks in Bulgaria and its representative in the Banking Supervision Committee at the European Banking Federation. In 2015 he was announced a Chairman of the Association, and in March 2018 he was reelected for the position.

Peter Andronov has a Master’s degree in Finance and Banking from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia (UNWE). Since 1995 he has lectured on Introduction to Finance and Banking Regulation at the UNWE, at the Higher School of Insurance and Finance and at the New Bulgarian University /International Banking Institute.

He is fluent in English, German and Russian.

Desislava Simeonova

Member of the Country Team of KBC Group for Bulgaria, Member of the Management Board of UBB, Executive Director Corporate and SME in UBB.

Desislava Simeonova holds a Master’s degree in Law. She started her professional career as a legal trainee at Sofia City Court. In 2000 she was appointed as a public enforcement agent at the State Receivables Collection Agency to the Ministry of Finance. Subsequently she also worked as a legal counsel at the Legal Directorate and an expert to the Inspectorate of that same institution.

Over the period 2004 – 2008 she worked as a legal counsel at the Bulgarian National Bank, Banking Supervision Department. She joined the team of CIBANK more than 10 years ago in the Corporate Officer position. Later on she consecutively managed Legal Services and Methodology Directorate and in 2016 she was appointed SME Director, while achieving excellent results in that segment. After the acquisition of United Bulgarian Bank by the Belgian financial group KBC in 2017 Desislava Simeonova took over the function of SME Distribution Director at UBB.

Svetla Georgieva

Member of the Country Team of KBC Group for Bulgaria, Country CRO, Member of the Management Board of UBB, CRO of UBB.

Svetla Georgieva is member of the Management board and Executive Director Risk in United Bulgarian Bank after its acquisition by Belgian finance group KBC Group in June 2017.

Her professional career includes different management positions at Citibank N.A. and ING Bank N.V. She joined the CIBANK team in 2008, and consequently held positions as head of Retail Credit Risk Department and deputy director of the Credit Management Directorate. In January 2014 she became KBC Group's Chief Risk Officer (CRO) for Bulgaria, a member of the MB and an Executive Director of CIBANK.

Svetla Georgieva graduated under the INSEAD Inter-Alpha Banking Programme (2013) from City University, Seattle, DCL (2004-2006) and has an MBA degree in Finance. She also has a Master's degree in industrial electronics from the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (1985-1991), a postgraduate qualification in International Economic Relations and International Law from the University of National and World Economy (1992 - 1993) and the University of Delaware / FLAG Consortium in Sofia (2001 -2002). 

She is fluent in English and Russian.

Christof De Mil

Member of the Country Team of KBC Group for Bulgaria, Country CFO, Member of the Management Board of UBB, CFO of UBB, Innovation leader for KBC Group in Bulgaria.

Christof De Mil started his career in KBC Group in 1995. After 10 years at various managerial positions in the Retail/SME branch network of KBC Group, in 2006 he moved to the Czech Republic to head the Retail/SME branch network of CSOB for a period of 5 years.

In 2011 he was appointed member of the Management Board of CIBANK with responsibilities in the following domains: Retail banking, Branch Network and distribution channels and Payments.

After the acquisition of United Bulgarian Bank by the Belgian finance group KBC Group in June 2017, Christof De Mil has become member of the Management board and Executive Director Finance of UBB.

He has a degree in Economics from the Economic University of Ghent and also MBA from INSEAD.

He is fluent in Dutch, English, French, Business German and basic Czech.

Jan Swinnen

Member of the Country Team of KBC Group for Bulgaria, Member of the Management Board of UBB, Executive Director Retail Marketing and Distribution of UBB.

The professional experience of Jan Swinnen at KBC Group started in 1984. After a rich experience of 18 years in Retail and SME branch network, in 2003 he moved to Hungary to become Head of Retail Products, Sales and Strategy Directorate in K&H Bank and Insurance. In 2005 he headed the Banking Sales Channels and Support Directorate in the company.

In the period 2009 – 2012 Jan Swinnen was Head of Retail Branch Network Management Division of CSOB Slovakia. In 2012 he joined CIBANK as Head of Branch Network and Distribution Channels Directorate and in April 2017 he was appointed Attorney-in-Fact.

He has a degree in Accountancy & Banking and a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources Management.

He is fluent in Dutch, English, French and basic German.

Teodor Marinov

Member of the Country Team of KBC Group for Bulgaria, Member of the Management Board of UBB, Executive Director Legacy of UBB

Teodor Marinov has been part of United Bulgarian Bank’s management since June 2010, when he was elected member of the Board of Directors, while holding the position of Executive Manager Corporate Banking of the Bank since September the same year.

After the acquisition of United Bulgarian Bank by the Belgian finance group KBC Group in June 2017, Teodor Marinov has become member of the KBC Country Team in Bulgaria, member of the Management board and Executive Director Legacy of UBB.

During the period 2001-2010, he was Executive Director  of Interlease EAD and since 2006 has been also involved in the management bodies of the leasing companies of the group of the National Bank of Greece in Romania and Serbia.

His professional development began in 1994 as a Financial Analyst at the Sofia Stock Exchange. In 1995-1997 he worked as a Customer Relationship Manager and Credit Analysis Unit Manager at the Bulgarian Investment Bank AD. From 1997 until 2000 he was Investments Manager in the Balkan Regional Division of the National Bank of Greece.

Teodor Marinov holds Master's degrees in Business Administration from London Business School and in Systems Control  from the Technical University, Sofia. He has been a holder of CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) professional designation since 2001. Marinov also completed the INSEAD Inter-Alpha Banking Programme in 2002.

He is fluent in English and Russian.

Ivailo Mateev

Member of the Country Team of KBC Group for Bulgaria, Member of the Management Board of UBB, Executive Director Operations of UBB

Ivailo Mateev started his career at United Bulgarian Bank in 1992. Throughout thе years he has held various positions in the areas of Planning and Budgeting, Management Accounting, Project Management, Business Processes and Organization, Branch Network Management. In the period 2009 – 2017 he was Chief Operating Officer of UBB AD.

After the acquisition of United Bulgarian Bank by the Belgian finance group KBC Group in June 2017, Ivaylo Mateev has become member of the KBC Country Team in Bulgaria, member of the Management board and Executive Director Operations of UBB.

He holds a Master's degree in Management of Commerce from the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), Sofia.

He is fluent in English, Spanish and Russian.

Hristina Filipova

Member of the Management Board of UBB, Procurator of UBB

Hristina Filipova’s professional experience includes different positions in the private banking sector and Buulgarian National Bank. From 1987 to 1992 she worked as an inspector at BNB - branch Blagoevgrad and Director of branch Rila. She continued her career at TS Bank AD, and in 1996 she joined the team of CIBANK (BRIBANK at that time).

After the acquisition of United Bulgarian Bank by the Belgian finance group KBC Group in June 2017, Hristina Filipova has become member of the Management board and Procurator of UBB.

She has a degree in Banks and Banking Activity from the UNWE. She has specialized in Banks in Market Economies at the International Training Institute in Berlin. In 1996 she acquired a license for an assessor of financial institutions from the Privatization Agency and also assessor of enterprises in 1999. In 1997 she acquired a certificate that gives her the right to act as trustee (treasurer). She is a Certified Public Accountant since 1998.

Language competences: Spanish and Russian.

Supervisory Board

Luc Popelier
Chairman of the Supervisory Board

Willem Hueting
Member of the Supervisory Board

Christine Van Rijsseghem
Member of the Supervisory Board

Franky Depickere
Member of the Supervisory Board

Mission

Our mission is to maintain high standards of servicing and to continue the successful development of our activity. The satisfaction of all our clients and partners is our top priority. We treat them respectfully, while trying to be worthy of their confidence by meeting their needs and supporting the implementation of their projects.

We incessantly develop and improve our services. We always act professionally, while being meticulous about details.

Here at UBB we work in a well-organized and dynamic environment, which triggers outstanding atmosphere for effective teamwork.

Here at UBB the ideas and opinions of each and every employee matter. The personal initiative of everyone is being appreciated and encouraged. We are all supported in the constant learning and work enhancement process, as well as provided with transparent professional development opportunities.

Our never-ending advancement, motivation and utilization of our staff's professional knowledge and skills have cemented our leadership position in the banking sector.

Activity

UBB has established correspondent relations with 640 banks in 93 countries, as well as with 25 banks and foreign branches of financial institutions in Bulgaria. UBB maintains 13 correspondent accounts in 13 currencies.

Bank services, rendered by UBB: loans in Bulgarian leva and foreign currency, deposits in Bulgarian leva and foreign currency, FX operations, fast and express intrabank transfers, e-banking, cash management for corporate clients, operations with BGN and FX accounts and travellers’ cheques, payments with debit and credit bank cards, cash collection, bank guarantees and letters of credit, trade in securities, depository /custodian services.

Retail Banking

It targets all natural persons and micro clients, for whom attractive product proposals are being prepared, in conformity with market competition requirements. The activity covers all stages from the launching of new products, advertising and marketing campaigns, direct marketing and work with various distribution channels.

Investment Banking

In its investment intermediary capacity the Bank services its clients and invests in shares and debt securities. Its area of responsibility covers: brokerage services; depositary services; custody of funds for additional pension insurance; effecting deals of intermediation, pertaining to the public offering and private placement of shares and debt securities.

Corporate Banking

UBB develops and applies a policy for servicing and rendering support to large domestic and multinational corporate clients, as well as clients from the SME segment. It implements lending programmes on its own, as well as jointly with other banks, and suggests special business lending initiatives. The Bank’s Corporate Banking function offers a wide range of credit products in the sphere of working capital and investment financing. The Bank is involved in the funding of EU Operational Programmes and management of projects, financed by the Bank. It provides bank guarantees, letters of credit, factoring and financial lease.

Treasury

This area of UBB’s activity includes liquidity management and ensures the Bank’s ongoing capacity to meet its payables.

Effected operations are in foreign currency, money and debt instruments on the global markets. Idle cash funds are being effectively invested on provisional basis into assets, which are adequate in terms of maturity and liquidity. The bank’s cashflows, as well as its open FX and interest rate positions are being monitored and administered.

Risk Management

Assuming of risk is an essential part of banking activity, however, in order for it to be contained within acceptable limits from the point of view of profitability and asset quality, it needs to be systematically administered. This also renders risk management an important and dynamic process, encompassing: identification of the risks to which the bank has been exposed (credit, market, liquidity, operational one etc.) and the correlations between those; risk assessment – calculating the potential loss and the probability for it to happen through mathematical- statistical methods and scenario analyses, through the use of specialized software; risk containment – elaborating and applying a system of limits in accordance with the Bank’s risk appetite; assessment of the capital adequacy and planning the needed capital as per the development forecasts for the separate portfolios, as well as the overall economic situation; application of the Basel standards, as well as development of internal ratings-based models for risk assessment.

Membership and others:

• Association of Banks in Bulgaria 
• Bulgarian Stock Exchange
• Central Depository
• Europay International
• VISA International
• JCB
• S.W.I.F.T.
• IIF – Institute of International Finance – Global Association of Financial Institutions
• Licensed primary dealer of government securities
• Licensed investment intermediary for operations with corporate securities

Selected Highlights

Rating:

FITCH Ratings:

• А- Long-term IDR
• F2  Short-term IDR

Standard & Poor's:

• BB+ Long Term
• B Short Term

BCRA:

• BBB- Long Term
• A-3 Short Term

Deposit Insurance

DEAR CLIENTS, PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BELOW, RELATED TO GUARANTEEING DEPOSITS

Guaranteed Amount and Scope

1. Deposits, opened in the name of a client of the Bank, irrespective of their opening currency, are guaranteed in amount up to BGN 196 000 (one hundred ninety six thousand Bulgarian leva).

2. The following deposit types have been guaranteed in amount up to BGN 250 000 for a period of three months from the moment, since which the amount has been credited to the depositor’s account, or since the moment, in which the depositor has acquired the right to dispose of the deposited amount:

• deposits of natural persons, having occurred as a result of real estate transactions for residential needs;
• deposits of natural persons, originating as a result of paid amounts in line with either conclusion or dissolution of civil matrimony, termination of employment or official relations, disablement or death;
• deposits, having originated as a result of insurance or social security payments or paid indemnities for damages due to indictable offenses or recalled judgement.

3.The deposits under Item.2. will not be included in the calculation of the total amount of the Bank’s payables to a single depositor as per Item 1 within the 3-month period, stated in Item 2.

4. The total amount of the Bank’s payables to one single depositor will be determined by summing up all deposits of the latter with the Bank. Deposits in foreign currency will be paid in their Bulgarian leva equivalence, calculated at the exchange rate of the Bulgarian National Bank as of the date of issuing a statement as per Art.20, Para.1 of Bank Deposits Guarantee Act. The interest due on deposits will also be calculated as of the said date.

5. Upon having a deposit in favour of a third party, entitlement to receive the guaranteed deposit amount will be of the person, in whose favour the deposit has been opened (the beneficiary), unless provided otherwise in the agreement.

Deposits, non-covered by the guarantee

6. Guaranteed amounts of deposits with banks shall not be paid to:

• other banks, when these have been made on their behalf and at their expense;
• financial institutions under Art. 3 of the Credit Institutions’ Act;
• insurance and re-insurance companies under Art. 8 of the Insurance Code;
• pension assurance companies and funds for mandatory and voluntary pension insurance;
• investment intermediaries;
• collective investment schemes, national investment funds, alternative investment funds and special purpose vehicles;
• State Budget entities under § 1, Item 5 of the Additional Provisions of the Public Finance Act;
• Investor Compensation Fund, Bank Deposits Guarantee Fund and the Guarantee Fund as per Art. 287 of the Insurance Code.

7. No guarantee shall be provided for deposits, having originated or pertaining to transactions or activities, constituting money laundering within the meaning of Art. 2 of the Measures Against Money Laundering Act or financing of terrorism within the meaning of the Measures Against Financing of Terrorism Act, established with an enforceable judgment.

8. No payment shall be made of deposits, which holder has not been identified as per Art. 3 of the Measures Against Money Laundering Act as of the date of issuing the statement under Art. 20, Para. 1 of the Bank Deposits Guarantee Act.

Mechanism for guaranteeing deposits and payment procedure

9. Upon revoking a license for performance of banking activities, the Fund shall pay the bank’s liabilities to its clients up to the guaranteed amounts. Payment shall be made via one or several banks, as determined by the Fund’s Management Board.

10. No later than 2 (two) business days prior to initiation of amounts’ payment by the Fund the latter’s Management Board shall be obliged to announce in at least two national daily newspapers and on its webpage the date since which the bank’s depositors will be able to receive payments from the Fund, as well as the bank/banks, through which these payments will be effected.

11. The Fund will ensure access for the bank’s depositors to the amounts, payable under the guaranteed deposits, no later than 7(seven) business days since the date of issuing the statement under Art.20, Para. 1 of the Bank Deposits Guarantee Act.