IIB Bank opens Belfast office

A bank that focuses on lending and treasury services for business and corporate customers in the Republic today turned its attention north of the border.

IIB Bank, which is owned by the Brussels-based KBC Bank and employs 500 people in Ireland, opened its first regional office in the North at Belfast’s Lanyon Quay.

A staff of six people recruited locally will operate out of the Belfast office.

Chief executive Ted Marah said the decision to open a Belfast office was a vote of confidence in the Northern economy.

“At IIB Bank, we believe the Northern Ireland economy is positioned to enjoy a period of high growth and it is important that Northern Ireland businesses have access to a bank that understands their banking needs,” he said.

“IIB Bank has built an unrivalled reputation as a business bank for business people.

"Our client base covers the whole spectrum of Northern Ireland’s business community, from property investment and development, retailing, and manufacturing to nursing homes, hotels and public houses to medical centres and accountancy centres.

“We are also one of the leading providers of project finance, having funded some of the major infrastructure projects in Ireland and the UK, particularly in roads, waste-management and energy.”

IIB also offers financial reporting, taxation and legal services.