Banks report stronger demand for loans after lifting of ceilings

The recent lifting of ceilings on consumer and personal credit by the Bank of Greece has led to a rise in the demand for large loans, mostly for the refinancing of older liabilities, banking circles say. Encouraged by low rates, bank clients are reportedly filing a large number of applications for loans of more than 30,000 euros. Banks see the practice as risky and likely to lead to higher provision costs, particularly given that the electronic individual credit-rating system (Tiresias), to be formally launched on July 1, is seen as needing at least two years to become effective — the time estimated as required for banks to collect enough data. So far, only four banks have reportedly begun feeding the system with data. Some, however, argue the higher demand for loans is bound to boost bank profits.