Danske Bank, which owns National Irish Bank here, is unlikely to acquire more Irish banking assets but aims to become a significant player for international corporates in Ireland, it said today.
The head of Danske's international banking activities, Thomas Borgen, told Reuters that the bank would seek organic growth in Ireland as the country's banking sector restructures.
'We will not be making any major moves in Ireland,' Borgen said. 'The sector is facing a major restructuring,' he added.
'We will target our focus on international corporates in Ireland, and on online services for private customers, primarily high-end customers. We would like over the years to become a significant players in Ireland for international corporates,' he said.
Danske's National Irish Bank was not part of the Central Bank's stress tests - published yesterday - as the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority has oversight of it as part of the Danske group.
'I have learned never to rule out anything, but it is very very unlikely that we will acquire more assets in Ireland. We have a good platform, and will focus on organic growth,' Borgen said.
The result of the banking stress test would not affect the operations of National Irish Bank nor the value of that bank, Borgen said. 'The world has not changed for us in the last 24 hours,' he stated.
