Erste CEO: We are still waiting for the regime change

Erste Bank reported a profit of 84 billion HUF for the first nine months of the year, a 25% decrease compared to last year, attributed to increased extra profit tax and loan write-offs due to interest rate caps. Despite this, operational results improved, with a rise in interest and fee income. The bank anticipates a significant increase in housing loans, driven by the Otthon Start Program, although a decline is expected in 2027 when the program ends. Corporate lending also saw a substantial increase, particularly in large corporate loans. Fraud attempts rose significantly, with 71,000 cases reported, amounting to 11 billion HUF.