Speaking to the Annual USRBC meeting in Moscow, Alfa-Bank CEO Peter Smida noted several positive trends in both Retail Banking and Electronic Banking which are improving Alfa-Bank’s position in the market.

“As the retail banking market continues to grow, fueled by rising living standards and the development of consumer lending, Alfa-Bank is developing a system of convenient service channels, including the Internet and mobile phone. We are using a wide spectrum of products and enhancing our ability to service clients at any branch as part of our continuing effort to establish long-term relations with clients,” said Smida.

Smida announced a new service — “Alfa-Mobile” — for Alfa-Bank’s retail clients as a result of the long-term strategic partnership between the Bank and Samsung Electronics in the field of mobile banking. “From our point of view, mobile phones and the Internet represent an ideal combination of value to the customer and productivity. Customers are demanding greater access and control over their banking decisions, and Alfa Mobile helps to bring the customer into the process on a 24 hour basis.”

The 13th U.S.-Russia Business Council’s Annual meeting “Russian and American Markets: Access, Partnership & Growth” brings together the top American companies doing business in Russia as well as Russian members to discuss the integration of the US and Russian economies and changing nature of Russian business, economics and politics. Another central topic is how Russian firms could better access the U.S. market.