Aida Mušić, Director of the Retail and Entrepreneur Banking Sector: Security and Stability Matter to Citizens

ASA Bank recently introduced yet another in a series of its innovative products. This time, the market was offered "Kredit bez briga" (Loan Without Worries), a non-purpose and replacement loan with a fixed interest rate, but what makes this product unique on the market are the benefits in the form of voluntary health insurance and check-ups within the Medic Basic package.

The product is the result of a successful collaboration between ASA Bank, ASA CENTRAL Osiguranje, and Eurofarm polyclinics, and the bank states that they want to make everyday life easier for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and meet their real needs.

We spoke with Aida Mušić, Director of the Retail and Entrepreneur Banking Sector, to learn more about this new product from ASA Bank, as well as the bank's current market position and plans for the future.

ASA Bank often emphasizes that when creating a new product, it always takes into account the current needs of BiH citizens. What guided you when creating "Kredit bez briga"?

Mušić: At ASA Bank, we take the needs of the BiH population very seriously and listen carefully to our clients, and it is not uncommon for us to ask them directly what matters to them. The information we receive helps us create new products that are often unique and specific to our banking market, and "Kredit bez briga" is just such a product.

This non-purpose and replacement loan with a fixed interest rate and voluntary health insurance is a response to our clients' needs for greater financial security, but also support in preserving what is most important – health. We are very proud that with this new offer, along with attractive financial terms, we have managed to secure special benefits in the areas of insurance and healthcare, thus offering our clients a new level of stability and security. I must add that "Kredit bez briga" represents a continuation of our policy of fixed interest rates for replacement and non-purpose loans, which we started last year. I will remind you that ASA Bank, in the midst of rising interest rates, decided not to increase interest rates on new loans, as well as on already issued loans, because we were ready to take on part of the burden for our citizens.

By remaining consistent in offering loans with a fixed interest rate, we enable our clients to feel secure throughout the entire loan repayment period. ASA Bank is proud of its role as a leading domestic bank and is committed to our goal of providing financial security to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ASA Bank has previously collaborated with many companies to respond to client needs. However, "Kredit bez briga" is specific because it connects companies that are members of the ASA Group?

Mušić: That is correct. This time, we joined forces with ASA CENTRAL Osiguranje and Eurofarm polyclinic, and used the power of synergy, the result of which is "Kredit bez briga". Although the new non-purpose and replacement loan with a fixed interest rate, with a minimal loan processing fee, offers a new level of flexibility for various client needs, its additional benefit is voluntary health insurance in the amount of up to 1,000.00 BAM. This is the Medic Basic health insurance package, one of the packages from the regular offer of ASA CENTRAL Osiguranje, which our clients very often choose due to its numerous benefits.

We believe that we have succeeded in enabling our users to take better care of their health, as they have at their disposal specialist medical examinations and diagnostic procedures that they can use regularly. By enabling examinations to be performed at Eurofarm polyclinics at more than ten different locations in BiH, we believe we have successfully raised the standard in providing healthcare services. And finally, I can say that such collaborations, which focus on BiH citizens, represent a real pleasure, but also an exceptional motivation to continue with similar and better actions in the future.

What are ASA Bank's plans for its clients in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the coming period?

Mušić: Our development strategy is focused on improving our clients' experience at the bank, with a special emphasis on digitalization and diverse products outside the traditional banking sector. When it comes to services for citizens, we plan to develop products in areas such as healthcare, insurance, banking, and digital business. Through the continuous strengthening of our loyalty programs, we continue to create specific products and services for our clients, thus providing them with a unique experience that no other bank on the market can offer.

We are aware of the important role of entrepreneurs in the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and continuously support small and medium-sized companies. We can proudly say that we have followed the development of some companies from their very beginnings, which are now successful and sustainable companies. As part of this activity, with the support of the World Bank, we signed a credit line agreement in the amount of 10 million BAM with the Development Bank of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This credit line offers favorable terms for financing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a special focus on supporting women, young entrepreneurs, and enterprises in less developed regions. Of course, we are also focused on financing key investments currently being implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I think the direction of our activities is completely clear, and that is to continue to carefully listen to and recognize the needs of society and work on improving the quality of life of citizens and the entire society.