2007 Operational highlights

At Corporate Banking, 2007 was another year of intensive customer focus. We further implemented a client-centric model, pursuing geographical proximity with our clients rather than a pure ‘sector-driven’ approach.

Developing a high level of professional intimacy with our clients has given us a better understanding of their business. This has allowed us to participate actively in financing large corporates and to become a preferred strategic partner.

Our strategy of geographical proximity was not pursued at the expense of our internationally recognised expertise. Fortis was a driver in some landmark deals in the telecom and media & technology industries, and in the newly established global ports & logistics sector. The combination of converging world players in these markets and our thorough understanding of market drivers and specifics allowed us to make strategic transactions and to pursue cross-selling opportunities.

Public Banking also had an eventful year, as we pursued a new approach to this challenging client group. Our relationship management-driven strategy has allowed us to enter new areas of product deployment without compromising our high standard of service to existing clients. Consequently, we are further leveraging on Fortis’s capabilities in Global Markets and Investment Banking.

2008 Focus

• Continue to invest in our bankers in charge of holistic relationship management
• Continue to deepen the relationship with clients through better understanding of their challenges and strategic intention
• Develop structured solutions combining appropriate products and skills