Bank Leumi
Galia Maor, President & CEO
1. What makes your country attractive to investors?
Israel’s macroeconomic environment has improved considerably since 2003 and will continue to do so. The business sector has grown at more than 6% in the past two years and has outpaced other developed economies. The high-tech sector will maintain its importance as a focal point for investors and the economic policy environment will remain conducive to foreign investment.
2. What are the economic prospects for your country over the next three to five years?
The export-led recovery of 2003-04 will broaden into the domestic sector as job growth and relative stability in the security situation boost consumer confidence and encourage investment. These factors will ensure growth of the business sector continues at a pace of close to 6% per year, even as the rate of export growth moderates following global trends.
3. How do you foresee the financial sector in your country changing?
Financial market deregulation, a sharp increase in corporate bond market financing, privatisation and the increased involvement of foreign parties in Israel’s financial markets will continue to have a positive impact. Pension fund reform will broaden financing options available to Israeli firms. The banking system reforms will boost the importance of non-bank institutions as sources of corporate finance. To prepare for changes in domestic activities, Israeli banks will expand the span of their international bases.
4. What role will your bank play in your country’s future development?
Bank Leumi will continue to play an important role in areas of investment financing, foreign trade and financial instruments, while catering to the needs of SMEs, corporate finance, households and private banking clients. Leumi has vowed to provide a full spectrum of services for Israeli clients that are branching out abroad.
