Gold Magazine June - July 2013, Issue 27 | Page 65

NDIVIDUAL TRAVELLER. we integrate into the whole equation of our service philosophy. Initiatives such as setting specific timelines for completing the various services to be offered are embedded to the operational functionality of our Shipping Business Centre (SBC). In addition, dedicated Customer Relationship Officers acting as a single point of contact between the SBC and clients and specially optimized systems which can better handle the needs of the shipping industry as such, help boost our drive for excellence. How broad a range of services does Hellenic Bank offer the Cyprus shipping industry? Hellenic Bank offers a vast array of core services while, at the same time, solutions can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of each and every client. Our core services include current and multicurrency accounts, advanced Internet banking services, global transaction services such as salary payments to seafarers and local staff salary payments, cash management services, working capital management, spot and forward foreign exchange contracts, credit facilities for working capital purposes, letters of guarantee and trade finance services, escrow and custodian services, private banking services, hedging instruments, options, futures and more. Have your clients in the shipping industry been affected by the banking restrictions that were imposed following the agreement reached with the Troika on the restructuring of the banking system? Have you been able to reassure them that the system is now safe? Through the initiatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and with the approval of the Central Bank of Cyprus, when the banks were closed “Emergency Payment” procedures were put in place for the shipping industry. This approval gave shipping companies the right to process payments during that critical period. Overall and based on feedback received, the operations of our clients in shipping have not been affected too much and it is our understanding that our clients today are working quite close to ‘business as usual’. Faith in the system has undoubtedly been shaken but the benefits for shipping companies operating out of Cyprus are so great that they have helped mitigate those concerns. We are in constant communication with our clients so as to best handle anything that comes along in a speedy manner. We believe that all of the above, including our solid financial position, have helped reassure them not only of our commitment but also of the fact that Cyprus is the right place for them. Nevertheless, there should be a continuous effort from all parties involved to ensure that the right measures are implemented so that we not only fully restore faith in the system but we make that faith even stronger. Hellenic Bank has always been the “quiet” third bank of the island’s traditional Big Three. How will the automatic move You will value the personal touch d thel touch and the factl touch and the factl touch and the factl touch and the factt organised by the Association. He/she is licensed by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and his/her ACTA membership is recognized as a guarantee of integrity, competence and a high standard of service. up to 2nd place affect the Bank’s philosophy and operations? Will you use the current situation to expand? The Bank’s underlying philosophy of credibility, consistency and prudent management will remain intact. This is what actually differentiates us from our peers. That is why we also intend to maintain this line of thinking. In order to improve our services and to have the capacity to expand further, especially in the international business sector, last year we established a second International Business Centre in Nicosia. In addition, in January of this year, we established the Hellenic Bank Shipping Business Centre in Limassol, the first of its kind in Cyprus exclusively dedicated to serving the shipping business community on the island. However, in the present circumstances, any discussion about aggressive expansion is on the back burner and will most probably have to wait. What is your overall assessment of the future of Cyprus shipping? Cyprus shipping is – and will remain for years to come – one of the most important sectors of the Cyprus economy with the potential for further growth. The establishment of the Hellenic Bank Shipping Business Centre is a clear acknowledgement of that. Cyprus shipping is – and will remain for years to come – one of the most important sectors of the Cyprus economy CONTACT DETAILS HELLENIC BANK PUBLIC CO LTD P.O.Box 24747, 1394 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: from cyprus: 8000 9999 Fax: [phone] Telephone from abroad: 22500500 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hellenicbank.com