“Increasing certain rates in this context, when banks’ profitability is really high, one of the highest in the European Union, naturally raises questions for the public, and raises questions for us as well.” It can be stated that such actions show the lack of social responsibility of banks and the question is clear whether we, as a supervisory institution, are doing something and can do it”, said S. Krėpšta to LRT television on Friday.
“We can also add certain plans to possibly close branches in the regions. This is again an example that we could consider negatively,” he added.
According to S. Krėpšta, in order to stop the immeasurable decisions of commercial banks, the Bank of Lithuania has foreseen certain decisions.
“One of those tools that could be mentioned – at the beginning of the year, we proposed to revise the so-called basic basket of basic payment services, which was already approved by the Government. People will be able to get basic payment services for one euro per month, and socially vulnerable people will be able to get them for half the price,” he said, also mentioning the banks’ solidarity contribution and the offer of fixed interest among the tools.
Tags: Banks socially irresponsible raising rates closing branches
