Alfa-Bank - a leader of plastic technologies

In 2000 the number of cards issued increased by an average of 20 percent every quarter. Balances in card accounts increased by an average of 30 percent. In 1999 this figure averaged 20 percent.

At the end of 2000, balances of Alfa-Bank cardholders reached $60 million.

Alfa-Bank is currently one of the largest bank acquirers, which has 11 percent of Russia's revenues generated from card transactions. The number of retail outlets that use Alfa-Bank's acquiring services reached 3,200 by the beginning of 2001.

Revenues generated from acquiring (not including cash withdrawals) continues to grow. According to the 4Q 2000 results, the volume reached more than $25 million. The total acquiring volume of the 4Q 2000 (including cash withdrawals) was $155 million, which doubled since the 1Q ($80 million).

According to 2000 results, retail outlets that use Alfa-Bank's acquiring services and handle some of the largest trading volumes are GUM, Perekrestok supermarket chain, Technosila Group, and Mir Group.

Alfa-Bank is actively developing Internet projects, such as virtual Eurocard/MasterCard cards, online card applications, and Internet acquiring.