Russian bank profits in 2010 could hit the record-high level of 500 billion rubles ($16.4 bln) registered in 2007 before the global financial crisis struck Russia, central bank chief Sergei Ignatyev said on Monday.
"In terms of profits in the banking sector, we are approaching the 2007 record-high level of 500 billion rubles," Ignatyev said.
Ignatyev said the banking system had recovered from the crisis. The Russian banks' loan portfolio in the first seven months of 2010 grew by 10 percent in nominal terms and by six percent in real terms, including consumer price inflation. The situation with overdue debts has stabilized, he said.
MOSCOW, October 18 (RIA Novosti)
