Global Finance has named UniCredit Bulbank Best Bank in Bulgaria, the lender said today. Each year the magazine does a research of the best banks in the world, which is published in its May issue.

The magazine defines the main criteria for ranking the banks as: clients focus, achieved success and prerequisities for a continuous and stable growth. In order to compile the list, Global Finance also interviews market analysts, rating experts and banking consultants.

The prize will be presented to UniCredit Bulbank's CEO Levon Hamparzumian at an official ceremony on 13 October in Washington.

Last year Unicredit Bulbank posted net profit in the amount of 255.2 mln leva (130 mln euros), which is a hike of nearly 90% y/y.

Net operating income stands at 333.7 mln leva (170 mln euros) and return on assets is at 3.1%. Return on capital stands stands at 23.9%, which is 9.5 pp up from 2006, the bank said.