Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis, welcomed UniCredit decision to invest in Alpha Bank.
Hatzidakis pointed out that “the baton now passes to the Financial Stability Fund, which will proceed based on its statute and the relevant procedures provided for.”
“However, the fact that a major European bank is investing in the Greek banking system after many years is a proof that both the Greek banking sector and the Greek economy have entered a path of perspective and growth,” the minister underlined, adding that “this positive development is the result of systematic work which the government is determined to continue.”
On his part, Bank of Greece (BoG) governor Yannis Stournaras stated:
“The Bank of Greece welcomes the agreement between UniCredit and Alpha Bank, the first major strategic agreement between a major European bank and a systemic Greek bank since the financial crisis of the previous decade.
This agreement reflects the increased credibility of the Greek economy in recent years, as this has been certified by four rating agencies so far, which have granted investment grade to Greek government bonds. It also reflects the significant progress achieved in the Greek financial system.
The two banks, UniCredit and Alpha Bank, are to be congratulated for the systematic work they did to reach this important agreement, which does not only concern Greece and Italy, but the entire eurozone.”