South-eastern Europe is our home. The heart and the head of the NLB Group are situated here, therefore our wish and our ambition is to see this region thrive.

NLB Banka dd, Sarajevo, supported the holding of the 14th Ordinary Assembly of the Association of Entrepreneurs "Business Center" Jelah-Tešanj. NLB Bank is already a traditional sponsor of this important event, which is attended by around 150 successful companies and entrepreneurs, and businessmen and groups that are among the most important, not only in the field of Tešnja and Jelah, but also of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On March 16, 2018, NLB Bank dd Sarajevo supported the exchangeable ticket which has provided scholarships for the best students.

Women's volleyball academy "Mikasa NLB Banka" from Tuzla to Srebrenica, opened a branch office, and this important initiative supported as main sponsor, supported by the NLB Banka dd Sarajevo.

NLB Banka dd, Sarajevo proudly supported in the form of donations, another initiative and association that helps people suffering from muscular dystrophy, with a view to their better integration, and in order to create conditions for a more complete and better quality of life.

On March 22, 2018, the International Water Day in Tuzla was marked as a central ecological event with the goal of ecological education of young people in raising awareness about the importance of water in human life. Ecological-pedagogical program was organized by schools and kindergartens from Tuzla. NLB Bank dd, Sarajevo, as every year, has always supported the contribution to environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of life in the cities of Tuzla and Tuzla Canton and BiH.

On Saturday, March 31, 2018, an international competition in modern dances "Bosnia Spring Open Cup 2018" was held in Gračanica, organized by Dance Club Plamingo. NLB Bank supported this wonderful event. Approximately 700 competitors from all over the country and the region attended.

NLB Banka d.d., Sarajevo, on 6 April at the birthday of the city of Sarajevo supported an international basketball tournament organized by Basketball Club KOŠ!

The twenty-first International Economic Fair - Mostar in 2018, lasted from 10th to 14th April, where the Republic of Serbia was the partner of the manifestation. NLB Bank continuously supports the same fair, which are among the largest number of exhibitors and companies from China, Hungary and Italy. The total number of exhibitors at this fair comes from at least twenty (20) countries from metal, construction, automotive, agri-food sector, high technologies, as well as in the field of services from banking to tourism.

NLB Bank dd, Sarajevo, is a proud sponsor of AKCUS Selja Sarajevo, because we support culture and tradition. The Academic Cultural Center of the University of Sarajevo - "Seljo" was founded in 1949 as a regular member of the University of Sarajevo in order to enable students and all those who wanted it in an academic way to demonstrate talents in the field of cultural and artistic creativity, and so far has affirmed valuable and unusual artistic results that go beyond the scope of standard amateur interest and achievement. Many famous opera artists, conductors, masters of dance and folk dances and songs, recognized writers, renowned drama artists, renowned musicians and artists, scientists and est workers, who started their careers in "Selja".

The following ensembles are currently active: Academic Ensemble of Folk Games and Songs "Seljo", National Orchestra "Seljo", Academic Background "ART Club", Academic mixed choir "Seljo", Chamber Choir, Vocal Ensemble "Friends", Art Studio "Seljo" , Vocal Ensemble "Corona", National Orchestra "Bentbaša".

On April 25, 2018, "Open Doors Day" was organized at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Tuzla. During the event "Open Day Faculty of Economics" was organized and stands with successful employers, and the signing of agreements on cooperation between the Faculty and businesses.

Great finals of the soccer tournament "Champions Trophy U12 - Finals", held in Sarajevo, in cooperation with the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina and "Balkan Alps Adria Project" (Football together). NLB Bank dd, Sarajevo, supported young juniors who played a big match with clubs from: Liverpool Football Club, Manchester City, and home team "FK Željezničar", "FK Slavija - Istočno Sarajevo" in Sport Center Hrasnica.

The big game was played and the strengths were met by the winners and the soccer forces: the Liverpool Football Club and Manchester City, and the domestic teams were represented by FK Željezničar and FK Slavija - Istočno Sarajevo at Hrasnica Sports Center.

Tennis tournament for juniors (category up to 16 years old) was held for the first time in Sarajevo as the first category tournament in tennis courts "GTA" Tennis Center Hotonj in Sarajevo, where 100 (hundred) young tennis players and tennis players from 15 fifty) of different countries. The basic motto of tennis enthusiasts gathered around TK "Tennis Pro 1996 - Sarajevo" was the promotion of a healthy growing up of young people, who, through tennis practice, acquire the habits of a healthy life. In 2018, a total of 175 takers from 24 countries applied for the tournament. Especially to be noted, it is true that Juan Maria Tintorea, the president of the Royal Tennis Club "RTC Barcelona 1899", was also present at this tournament, which awarded the winners with a gift that he handed over as a gift from the City of Barcelona.

Sixty wineries from six countries, along with 20 gastro-exhibitors, participated in the 14th Sarajevo Wine Weekend held in the House of Armed Forces (Dom Armije). NLB Banka d.d., Sarajevo, is traditionally the sponsor of this event. As a partner of the festival, Mastercard also joined the NLB Bank to organize a prize draw for visitors who pay their tickets on a card. The festival was held on Friday and Saturday, October 19th and 20th, 2018, at the BiH Armed Forces House in Sarajevo, where it has been in the space for the third year in a row. Also, after the festival, the Coloseum Club in from 22h, organized a traditional "NLB Sarajevo Wine Weekend After Party", where he was free admission for all visitors.

The Second Mini Olympics of the Sport School was held in Tuzla. At the competition, which is aimed at developing healthy habits in children and to strengthen team spirit, attended by about 250 children from 4 cities, and the project is supported by the NLB Bank.

As an employer who supports its employees caring for corporate and social responsibility, NLB Banka Banja Luka organized two activities in 2018 where employees volunteered to work on arranging school yard painting the playground for sports in Laktaši, and clearing the park area in Banja Luka.

NLB Volunteers painted the playground for sports in Laktaši school

NLB Volunteers were thankful for the chance to contribute to the local community and to participate in some sort of recreation. Our efforts are rewarded by the smile of children and our neighbors who will enjoy the benefits.

Clearing the park area in Banja Luka

Promoting healthy living and recreation, the Bank supported sports activities of employees and provided presents in sports shops in different events.

A group of employees participated in the 20^th NLB Sports games in Moravske Toplice competing or supporting athletes in bowling, tennis, badminton, running and sports shooting. The sports shooting team won the silver prize, and gold in male category.

Gold in sports shooting – NLB Sports games, Moravske Toplice

Through internal and external trainings of employees, the Bank supports life-long learning and development of competence. There is distinguished pool of talents who were acknowledged by the Bank and prepared for leading positions who participated in number of talent meetings sharing knowledge and experience with other talents in the NLB Group.

Talent meeting in Ljubljana

In accordance with the new document on risk assessment in the working positions, the Bank organized free medical checks for all employees caring for high quality of health protection and prevention.

The Bank also managed to complete the process and provide for all employees to be included in the system of voluntary pensioners fund. The Bank is paying the monthly premium of 70 BAM while employees can add certain amount of money to make monthly amount of 100 BAM of saving for the additional pension benefit with possible premium on total amount.

Providing support to the NLB Banka employees trade union we supported implementation of New Year gifts for employees' children and other activities for social interaction of colleagues.

All these activities are aimed at supportign and caring for employees to be satisfied and motivated for all future challenges knowing that their company will be there for whatever may come.

Caring for its clients, NLB Banka carefully monitors the needs of all client groups taking it into consideration when planning its activities and development of products. In order to show gratitude to most of the devoted and loyal clients, Management Board of the Bank organizes visits and invites these clients to all of its important events.

Meeting with corporate clients (m:tel)

President of NLB d.d. MB, Mr. Blaž Brodnjak, visited several corporate clients during his visit to Banja Luka, also using this opportunity to meet with the Mayor of Banja Luka city.

Meeting of NLB d.d. CEO with the Mayor of Banja Luka

In the residence of the Republic of Slovenia in Sarajevo was organized event “I feel Slovenia” in synergy with NLB Banka Sarajevo. Both banks invited around 100 corporate clients which cooperate with companies in Slovenia, or which have headquarters in Slovenia. Interconnecting business companies that are key to the development of BiH was the main goal of this event because it leads to better business results and opportunities in terms of finding new business opportunities.

Event “I feel Slovenia”

In a very pleasant ambience, guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with the gastronomic offer of Slovenia and Slovenian wines.

The Bank invited some of its biggest clients to the regional NLB Business forum on New times, new business challenges held in Ljubljana. Besides presentation of good practice in overcoming challenges of new times, over 350 participants from the region shared significance of mentorship and transfer of knowledge.

NLB Business forum in Ljubljana

Supporting potential clients of housing loans as well as corporate clients in the construction business, the Bank initiated business and technical cooperation enabling clients to choose housing units of over 40 construction companies throughout Republic of Srpska with favorable conditions for housing loans. The Bank presented the offers with investors on its web site sharing links for clients to choose and promoting its housing loan offer on the web sites of investors. Increased housing loans prove that this was beneficial for all.

After very successful cooperation and completion of construction, and realization of housing loans, the Bank representatives welcomed clients when moving into new flats with corporate gifts.

Web presentation of special offers with investors

Second year in a row, the Bank received students of Economics for practice hours at the Bank. Management Board welcomed the group of students and introduced them to their mentors.

MB welcoming students of Economics on practice

NLB Banka Banja Luka presented its products and Brand position on three fairs in 2018. Corporate and tourism fairs in Modriča and Derventa were very successful where the Bank was presented along with 120 companies from the region. This was an opportunity to support local economy development and to improve cooperation with existing and establish cooperation with new corporate clients. 

Corporate and tourism fairs in Modriča and Derventa

International savings day was celebrated in NLB Banka Banja Luka throughout the whole week where all children who visited branch offices received gifts including piggy bank. At the same time, children from three kindergartens and two primary schools visited the Bank Headquarters where employees taught them about banking and saving, and also demonstrating the use of ATM. This was the way to promote saving among more than 90 young children.

Celebrating International Savings Day

As in previous years, the Bank supported pensioners through the donation of a computers and funds for different activities. Besides donation to the association in Teslić, the Bank traditionally supported pensioners’ association in Modriča with the big NLB cake for their annual gathering of almost 600 pensioners from the region.

Pensioners in Modriča

Employment fair held in Banja Luka was the best opportunity to present NLB Banka Banja Luka as caring mentor where visitors had a chance to hear about possibilities for employment in the Bank and to leave their CVs for contacts in the future. The stand was in the spirit of the values of caring mentor.

Employment fair in Banja Luka

The group of 30 students in the final year of secondary school of economics – future banking officers visited the Bank together with their teachers as part of their practice. Besides presentation of different positions in the banking, professional insight in the work of the teller and payment transactions and guarantees, students had a chance to ask different questions and discuss dilemmas related to banking.

Financial literacy of future banking officers

In the beginning of 2018, the Bank published its new web site enabling transparent presentation of its products and more information for clients. In synergy with NLB Banka Sarajevo was created joint landing page. The new web site enables for future projects on promoting financial literacy among clients where the Bank will publish advice on different products caring for financial stability of its clients.

NLB Banka Banja Luka remains an active member of social community as one of main sponsors of Basketball Club IGOKEA Aleksandrovac, also supporting the work with young athletes to become highly professional basketball players. Due to great visibility of games plaid in the sports building in Aleksandrovac, the Bank uses it as marketing channel to communicate its campaigns. 

Sponsor of Basketball club Igokea

Besides socially responsible activity of NLB volunteers on painting and arranging school playground in Laktaši, the Bank donated sports requisites for the children to be used in the physical education classes.

Donation of sports requisites to the primary school in Laktaši

Traditionally, the Bank supported athletics associations organizing street races events in Banja Luka, Gradiška, Prijedor and Prnjavor. As central sports events gathering great number of visitors and participants, these street races events are the best opportunity to achieve visibility as socially responsible company and to support local communities in organization. 

Street races in Prnjavor and Prijedor 

ATP Challenger Srpska Open 2018 or Banja Luka Challenger is a professional tennis tournament played on clay courts, and it was part of the 2018 ATP Challenger Tour. NLB Banka Banja Luka sponsored the competition and supported the local tennis club in organizing the competition.

Challenger Srpska Open

In 2018, the Bank also supported Football club “Borac” Banja Luka, Youth basketball club “Borac”, Basketball club “Leotar” Trebinje, Boxing club “Slavija”, Basketball club of persons with disabilities “Vrbas” and traditional support to the police team in 5-a-side football in the European competition.

Following great cooperation with the national newspaper “Glas Srpske”, the Bank sponsored its selection of the top 10 athletes in Republic of Srpska. In the evening of final selection, aired on national TV, were gathered numerous representatives of state and local authorities, economy sector representatives and the representative of the Bank attended this ceremony.

Selection of the top 10 athletes in Republic of Srpska

Besides sport in the community, the Bank also supported its employees in initiatives to run BL ½ Marathon and Sarajevo B2B run. We were really happy to meet together with colleagues and achieve great results.

NLB Banka in BL ½ Marathon and Sarajevo B2B run

NLB Banka Banja Luka will continue to promote healthy living and sports among young population and its employees, thus future corporate and social responsibility projects will be focused on sports.

For many years the Bank supports different music and culture festivals as well as activities on environment protection. Most of the tickets for different sponsored plays and concerts are given as presents in media presentation of sponsorship and donations on radio or TV, in live shows where the audience listens about the Bank’s support and call to win this gift.

Valentine’s was celebrated in the concert hall Banski Dvor Banja Luka where, beside the Banja Luka City Tamburitza Orchestra, there were guests from Slovenia, the Tamburitza Orchestra "Dobreč" from Dragatuš, and the special guest of the concert, Lado Leskovar, an ex-YU musician. NLB Banka sponsored this concert and gave away 10 tickets in the radio program.

Concert for Valentines in Banski Dvor Banja Luka

Art Colony Bardača is supported for over 20 years and it gathers artists from the region in this protected area who paint and organize painting schools for young children. This event is also promoting environment protection and preservation of this unique area.

Bardača Art and Ecology Colony

Eight days of theater festival “Petar Kočić 2018” was traditionally supported by NLB Banka, where the Bank is exclusive sponsor of the Young Artis’s Monodrama festival within it. Special occasion of proclaiming the winners of the festival was attended by representatives of the Government, other sponsors and many recognized artists from the region. Representative of NLB Banka handed the reward to the most successful play of monodrama. 

Theater festival “Petar Kočić” - Young Artist’s Monodrama sponsorship

NLB Banka Banja Luka supported Children’s theatre in Banja Luka initiative to organize free theatre plays for children in New Year holidays. Among many companies we donated sweets and presents for children (balloons, plastic balls, piggy banks).

Children theatre plays for holidays and presents in Snješkovo

One of the biggest music festivals in Banja Luka area “Banjalučki dani piva i muzike” was also supported in 2018 where the Bank had its stand at the entrance. Visibility of the Bank was at the highest level.

Music festival “Banjalučki dani piva i muzike”

In 2018 NLB Banka Banja Luka traditionally continued with donations and humanitarian activities supporting health care institutions, social welfare and other organizations caring for children, young people and overall society.

The biggest donation was to the University Clinical Center of Republic of Srpska. The Bank donated the Lamp for Skin and ST Diseases Clinics which will be used for healing chronic wounds and other skin diseases.

Donation of medical equipment to UKC RS

The basketball club of persons with disabilities “Vrbas” Banja Luka is in support of the Bank for many years. As they play in NLB League, NLB d.d. is the main sponsor donating wheelchair for players. The games plaid in Banja Luka were the event when President of the Management Board and Member of the Management Board of NLB Banka Banja Luka drew two winners of the sports wheelchair for players.

Support to Basketball club of persons with disabilities KKI “Vrbas”

With the donation of NLB Banka Banja Luka were built playgrounds for children in the municipality Han Pijesak. It is the municipality in eastern part of Republic of Srpska, with poor infrastructure and funds. These playgrounds will provide children better conditions for play and initiate better social interaction.

Playgrounds for children in Han Pijesak

As support to the President of Republic of Srpska initiative, NLB Banka participated in the humanitarian activity “S ljubavlju hrabrim srcima” (with love to brave hearts) donating 5.000 BAM. This year’s funds of about 1.5 million BAM will be used for purchase of devices for robotic assistance in rehabilitation of children with physical disabilities.

Humanitarian activity “S ljubavlju hrabrim srcima” (with love to brave hearts)

Clinical center in Foča was supported with the donation of NLB Banka with New Year presents for all children in this hospital. Representatives of the Bank made the holidays more enjoyable for these children and put smile on their faces visiting them at the Pediatrics clinic.

Gifts for children in Pediatric clinic in Foča

The donation to the children’s ward in the “Dr. Miroslav Zotović” Rehabilitation Centre was aimed at providing Christmas presents and organization of the St. Nickolas show prepared by the children in rehabilitation, played in front of many guests, representatives of institutions, and companies that support the work of the Rehabilitation Centre.

Rehabilitation centre “Dr. Miroslav Zotović”

Over 100 gifts were provided by NLB Banka for children in protection of the Social Work Centra Banja Luka, as one of the biggest social protection institutions in Republic of Srpska. The children in foster care were primarily invited as well as children from socially disadvantaged families. Together with other donors, more than 300 children were given presents by the Santa Clause.

New Year gifts for children in protection of Social Work Centre (foster care)

Donations of computers and other school equipment to schools were implemented throughout the year. The Bank also donated security cameras and funds for reconstruction of buildings to schools, kindergartens and other premises of interest to local communities.

In accordance with Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, NLB Banka Banja Luka continues its support through sponsorship and donation activities providing better life conditions for children as well as health and social protection.

NLB Banka Banja Luka maintains high level of corporate and social responsibility supporting activities in all segments. Projects and activities were mostly initiated by different groups of clients, employees and local communities, but also by the Bank. Regional and segment criteria was taken into account in the process of selection of projects to be supported. All of the activities are in accordance with the values and strategy of the Bank, and promote the Bank as caring for local communities in which it operates.

In our future activities we plan to pay more attention to promotion of mentorship relationships presenting the Bank as an institution devoted to its clients caring for their future financial stability and satisfaction. Our focus will remain on segments which promote trust, reliability and responsibility of the Bank and improve access to its services as well as financial literacy and mentorship being ready for whatever may come.

Support for the project Future Agro Challenge

NLB d.d. and NLB Banka Beograd sponsored a competition in agricultural innovations at the first SEE-IT Summit in Novi Sad. SEE-IT Summit, first international IT and Communications Trade Fair in Serbia gathered companies from 14 countries in the period from November 7 to November 9, in Novi Sad. At the summit, 15 conferences were held, and a special part of the summit was dedicated to digital innovations in agriculture as part of the competition „Future Agro Challenge“ enabled by the support of NLB Group. Numerous officials spoke at the Summit opening ceremony, including the Ambassadors of Germany and Holland. President of the Executive Board of NLB Banka Beograd Branko Greganovic pointed out on that occasion the importance of digitalization, innovations, but also agriculture for the development of Serbia and pointed out the important role of NLB Banka in supporting this segment. Unknown innovators from our country took part in the Future Agro Challenge. The competitors presented the best solutions from the area of agro-technology, agro-logistics, robotics, biotechnology and food. Finalists of this year’s agro-challenge were: Zdenko Zloh, Andrija Ekmedzic, David Srbu, Sanja Stosic, Nikola Stanojevic, Branislav Salajic, and Nikola Marinkovic. The jury, including our colleague Biljana Petrovic, Head of Agro-Business Sales Department of NLB Banka Beograd, had a difficult task in choosing among the brilliant innovations the one to represent Serbia on the world competition in Greece next year. First prize went to the team SOMA, Nikola Stanojevic and Marko Cvetkovic from Belgrade, whose innovation focused on making biodegradable packaging from recycled material.

MenProSAM

NLB Banka joined the mentorship program of the Serbian Association of Managers – MenProSAM, exclusive program of this leading business association, which stands out because of its uniqueness and efforts to put managers and their development in the very focus. Mentorship is recognized today as an important and irreplaceable way of people development within companies. 

The program was initiated in 2015 with the aim of enhancing the exchange of knowledge, experience and opinions among association members. SAM wants to provide its members with development on both professional and personal level with the support of successful leaders and experts, also members of our association. MenProSAM has been ongoing for a year, and each generation gathers 25 pairs. In 2018, one of the mentors was Branko Greganovic, President of the Executive Board of NLB Banka Beograd.
 

MenProSAM

Cooperation with the Faculty of Political Sciences

In cooperation with the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Belgrade, we initiated cooperation on the implementation of a program of professional internship for students of the Faculty of Political Sciences (FPS) founded in 1968 as the first educational-scientific institution of that type in the former Yugoslavia. They are involved in education and research in the area of politicology, international studies, journalism and communicology, social policy and social work. There are 90 lecturers at the Faculty, with regular guest lectures by prominent foreign and local experts. The lectures on the post-graduate programs are provided in both Serbian and English. Since its founding, 8100 students graduated, 975 got a master’s degree and 464 a Ph.D. at this Faculty. For the first time, students of this faculty did their internships in our General Secretariat and Legal Affairs Department, assigned to tasks of corporate PR and internal communication and here are their impressions about the three months spent in our bank.

Bankologija

Student Sunday in Belgrade

To respond to market demands also means to change and adapt constantly, and developing employee knowledge and skills is a priority for NLB Bank Belgrade to enable them to respond to changes. The previous year was dedicated precisely to developmental changes and activities strengthening Bank capacity in structural and human resources aspects.

NLB Banka Belgrade applies individual approach not only in the relations with its customers but also with its employees, which enables it to identify real development needs of each employee. Performance monitoring through the assessment system allows each manager to define clear objectives and set guidelines that are in line with the Bank’s business strategy.

Understanding the natural process of learning, NLB Banka Belgarde insists on a more effective use of flexible training channels such as on-the-job training and e learning. Bank strives to be a healty Bank and a Family friendly bank, providing our employees with the differenet initiavies giving them mopre flexible Bank life.  

Employees in the Bank

Number of employees

After the period of reorganization, the number of employees have been steady. The Bank continues to rationalize work procedures and optimize Bank’s operations which shows up in the number of the Bank’s employees, dropped by 22% over the period of 5 years.

Employee structure in the Bank

In 2018, the employee structure of the Bank changed slightly in favor of men. In 2018, the Bank employed 67,47% women and 32,53 men. The share of men increased by 1% in the last year, compared to the share of women employed in the Bank.

An average employee age in the Bank

The trend of the decreasing age of employees in the Bank continues to grow. Compared to 2013, the average age of employees decreased by 5 years to 41 years in 2018. The reason for this is continued restructuring and rationalization of the Bank’s performance and employment of young people. 

Structure of employees by education level in the Bank

The trend of changing the educational structure improved slightly in 2018 compared to the previous year. The share of employees with at least higher education continued to increase in 2018, reaching 60.70%, whereas the share of those with vocational or lower education keeps decreasing.

Employee structure by education in %

Employee arrival structure by gender

A total of 94 new people were employed in the Bank in 2018. Of those, 17, were younger than 30 years, 47 or 50% were aged between 30 and 40. 60% of the new employees were women and 40% men.

Number of new arrivals in NLB by gender

Employee departure structure in the Bank by gender

A total of 67 people departed from the Bank in 2018. Of those, 8 or 4% were younger than 30 years, 26 or 39% were aged between 30 and 40. Of those, 65% were women and 35% men. The number of departures slightly increase compared to 2017.

Leadership road map

Once again, we developed leadership road map for our senior leaders. Combining individual coaching sessions and individual online lessons based on the Frenklin Covey tool, each manager had the flexibility to follow the path on its own time and in its own dynamics.

Department heads and directors are assessed by their subordinated employees using the 360 degree method, based on which they all receive an individual development plan.

Talent management

NLB Bank Belgrade, talents were intensively developed in 2018 in the framework of the Group programme in which they were included through identification and in accordance with their career orientations. Three groups were set up within the talent development programme: leadership, professional, and young talents. A special development programme was set up for each talent group, covering their specific development needs, and various internal and external development activities were carried out in line with the plans.

They participated in the training to obtain the skills need for the specific group they are identified. 

Family-Friendly Company

NLB Family Day, twice a year organized for all our employees, through different set of internal activates giving the opportunity to all our employee’s children to experience a day in the Bank.

A paid leave to accompany a child to school, Employees can have a day off to accompany their children to school on their first school day, on information days.

In addition to those two new measures, the following measures are also available to employees:

• Each employee's newborn baby is presented with a practical gift.
• Possibility of flexible working hours or paid leave when introducing children to kindergarten.
• Paid leave for family emergencies.
• New Year’s gifts for children and gifts for newborns

Employees' children receive gifts from Santa Claus

New Year’s gifts for the little children of the NLB employees is a special event organized every year and a precious memory also for the parents.

In the beginning of December 2018, NLB employees' children were visited by Santa Claus and his helpers who distributed more than a thousand gifts. Like every year, the children and their parents were taken to the fairytale world, an event they will remember. The children were thrilled to receive a basket full of presents and adults enjoyed watching happy and smiling children. 
 

Healthy Bank

In the organization of the HR colleagues, we introduced Healthy Friday concept. With this concept we promote healthy life and deliver fruit to all our employees.

We also organized a short lecture covering main principles of healthy lifestyle.

Respect for the employees

NLB Ace Awards

NLB Banka Beograd launched NLB Ace project in 2015, aiming to recognize individuals who give an exceptional contribution to NLB results in their professional capacity. In every quarter, members of the Executive Board choose quarterly NLB Ace laureates on the basis of a list of candidates proposed by the B1 executive directors. The candidates are employees that made some exceptional contribution related to the values of NLB Bank, that resulted with the improvement of the Bank's operations, who suggested some sort of innovation that contributed to increasing the efficiency of the entire team, or employees who are reliable mentors to others, sharing their knowledge with colleagues, which positively influences the entire team. In 2017, NLB Banka launched new category of NLB Ace Award - NLB Ace Best Colleagu. In every quarter, all the employees are nominating candidates for this award and then vote for NLB Ace Best Colleague via NLB Net. The main characteristics that NLB Ace Best colleague has to have are positive attitude towards colleagues and readiness to help colleagues in their work with their knowledge and skills.

At the end of each year, Annual NLB Ace laureates are chosen via a poll on NLB Net.

Professional Achievements laureates are chosen at the end of every year among the colleagues who received this award in the previous 4 quarters

Annual NLB Ace Best Colleague is selected from the list of 20 candidates - 5 employees with the highest number of votes in each of the previous 4 quarters.

NLB AS 2018

Fostering good communication

Effective internal communication helps ensure that all members of the organisation are working collaboratively towards a common goal. It develops a cohesive culture and empowers employees to make the right decisions in line with the organisation’s goals. NLB Banka takes great care about sharing information within the team and continually seeks new opportunities to improve this area.

Beside e-mail news, NLBNet, internal events, NLB Banka created new channel of communication in 2018 – CEO breakfast. All employees have the opportunity to apply for taking part in CEO breakfast, to spend some time with CEO of the bank and to here all the important news from him, to ask him questions about Bank’s operations and give him feedback on different topics.

CEO Breakfast

Celebrating employee’s birthdays

In 2018, we continued with internal activities regarding celebration of our employee’s birthday. Each our employee receives an e-card for his/her birthday and we celebrate 4 times a year birthday of all employees born in the previous quarter. As a present, everybody get on additional day paid leave, which employees can use throughout the current year.

Someone needs what we no longer do

After renovating the branch offices in Jagodina and Valjevo, NLB Banka donated its furniture to the Social Welfare Centre and Health Care Centre in those cities. The furniture from the Social Welfare Centre was distributed to the users of that Centre after our donation, in hopes that the bank will in this way help the underprivileged families.

Studenica-KV

Furniture donations from branch offices Sid and Backa Topola were made to schools from the territory of these towns.

Local donations program

As part of the program of local donations and sponsorships, NLB Banka donated ACs for the surgical ward of the Clinical Centre in Kragujevac. Clinical Centre of Kragujevac is a medical facility providing services to over 2.5 million citizens from Sumadija and West Serbia.

Pensioners Association JA

We donated bedsheets for the maternity ward of the General Hospital Studenica in Kraljevo. We hope that in this way we contributed to ensuring better conditions for the babies coming into this world. We hope to have a chance to help similar facilities in the future, and that they will not be in short supply of what is most important – babies.

Volontiranje Jagodina

“Figurae Feminae“ in the NLB Gallery

In cooperation with NLB Gallery’s program partner, House of Arts Pygmalion, in 2018, a project called Figurae Feminae was realized. During this one-year project, five young figurative artists were presented, who had their independent exibition in the premises of NLB Bank. These are the future generations of Serbian painting, whose time is yet to come: Kristina Pirković, Katarina Nedeljković, Đerđi Ačaji, Andjela Micić and Ivana Živić.

“What connects them is multitude of interests, maturity of expression, knowledge, skill and talent. Their art work – drawings and pictures – covers different topics, but essentially all these young artists are focused on man through versatile approaches,” Maja Živanović, artistic selector of the House of Arts Pygmalion.

NLB Gallery was opened in 2017 in the atrium of NLB Bank,a with the idea of turning this space into a gathering spot for the people who live of art and art fans.

Figurae Feminae

Support for the event Days of the Red-Haired Goddess

This event gathered a large number of visitors, and it got its interesting name under one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the West Backa County. The event offered a rich sport and cultural program, which was most entertaining to primary school and preschool kids, as well as their parents. During this three-day event, there were – among other things – concerts, ethnic dance performances from the Municipality Odzaci, an art colony in the Crafts Centre Odzaci, cycling race and competition in making fish stew. Our presence at the event was more than visible and was met with positive reactions of the local community, which considers this an event of particular importance. Anyway, the red-haired goddess, a statue after which the event was named, was discovered in 1989 on the site Donja Branjevina around Odzaci, and it was discovered by Sergej Karmanski who was digging at this site for years. The Red-Haired Goddess statue represents fertility, it is 38 centimetres tall and it got its name because her hair is painted in red, as her name says.

Dani crvenokose boginje

Markovski meeting of children and poets

We supported the tenth annual festival Markovski meetings of children and poets, which was started in order to raise cultural awareness among the young through active participation in creative artistry. Children, not only from Backa Topola, but also other cities in Serbia and neighbouring countries, had a chance to take part in various types of artistry – literary, drama, music, art, rhythmical, ecological, sports. The festival was held in the outdoors (Panonski Park), in order for the kids to understand the importance of protecting nature. The program was divided into 10 parts: versing, music playing, dance-off, clown show, student Olympics, first-hand messages, treasure hunt, dramatic flying, chess playing, and paint-off. For some parts of the program, kids sent in their work for a competition, some entered the competition on the very day of the festival, which contributed to boosting the number of visitors.

NLB Organic competition

In 2018, NLB Banka organized the seventh competition for best projects of agricultural farms, producing organically, NLB Organic. Since it was started, 354 projects took part in this competition.

Aim of the competition is supporting sustainable production based on strict upholding of ecological principles, and at the same time it represents a potential for the economy of Serbia and a chance for small households to profit from their labour. This potential is of special significance in underdeveloped and remote areas.

“As a bank which is extremely active in supporting agriculture, we convey that focus to the field of socially responsible operations as well, through the competition NLB Organic. With this competition, we support development of organic production, with the aim of contributing to environmental and human health protection,” President of the Executive Board of NLB Banka Beograd, Branko Greganović, said.

Three best projects received prizes in the total amount of RSD 1,500,000, and the prizes were presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Branislav Nedimović. Expert committee consisting of: Professor Dr Snezana Oljaca, Dr Milan Adamovic and Biljana Petrovic evaluated that the following as the best in 2018: project of Marko Stojadinović from the Municipality Blace: “Organic food – future of Serbian agriculture,” project of Zoltan and Tatjana Idei from Temerin, “Your reap what you sow” and project of Ratko Aksentijević from Kraljevo, rewarded for the project based on the first group certification in livestock farming in Serbia: “Improvement of Organic Livestock Production – Sheep and Cattle Breathing.”

 NLB Organic

Paper consumption

As an ecologically aware company, we try to constantly reduce paper consumption. Apart from adjusting our office equipment to this aim (introduction of centralized printers, two-side printing), we contribute to this through work process digitalization, in the manner, which does not require printing of files as it used to in some phases.

Thanks to such an approach, in the previous period we recorded a reduction of paper consumption during 2018 by 4.9% compared to the consumption in the previous year.

Power consumption

Parallel to ensuring steady business growth, we strive toward sustainability and environmental protection. Rationing electricity consumption while maintaining a work environment of standard quality is one of the key aspects of this attitude of NLB Banka Beograd and all its employees toward the limited natural resources. Following energy efficiency guidelines, NLB Banka Beograd achieved a reduction of electricity consumption by 7.7% in comparison to 2017.

Branch office renovation and new equipment

In 2018, NLB Banka continued the project of Rebranding, as part of which another four branch offices were refurnished in accordance to the visual standards of NLB Group. At the same time, apart from the redecorating, the bank equipped the offices with LED lighting and high energy class devices, which use less energy in their operations.

The project of replacing old computers with new ones continues in the bank. In the process of buying new IT equipment, the bank is paying special attention to ecological standards apart from technical ones. In addition to contributing to the quality of the work environment for employees, higher efficiency and reduction of costs, computer equipment of the new generation and LCD monitors, which use up to 4 times less electricity than the older models, are important in the sense of consumption of unrenewable energy.

New Year’s event for corporate clients “For whatever may come”

Traditionally, last December we organised an event for corporate clients with whom we are doing business daily aiming to develop economy and business conditions together in Montenegro. The event gathered a huge number of clients - successful entrepreneurs, representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as well-known corporations, and offered quality and diverse content which, we are sure, gave added-value to our customers.

Annual meeting with clients was organized in VIP salon BC Budućnost Voli in SC "Morača", and our clients had the opportunity to meet with the team and entire professional staff of the current champions Aba Liga, basketball players KK Budućost VOLI, whom we are Premium sponsor of 2018/2019 season, watch a short film about the most successful projects in 2018 that NLB Banka supported and the most significant CSR activities.

The short film presented only some of the many successful projects of our clients, which we realised in 2018, aiming to show how we can improve our business and how we act as a mentor. In a movie about most significant CSR activities we promote a csr project in the field of health protection, environmental protection and youth and sport. We completed the year as a socially responsible company that wants to leave a mark on the country in which it operates. Within the campaign ‘Small Steps Change the World for the Better,’ we donated funds in the amount of 8,000 € to maternity ward in Podgorica for the purchase of necessary equipment. The official delivery of the voucher held at the New Year’s event. On that occasion, we invited all those who were present to donate, in a box that was specially prepared for this purpose.

New Year’s event for corporate clients “For whatever may come”

NLB Business Forum "European Integration of the Western Balkans, Impact on the Economy and Business Development"

Drawing competition for children ‘Crtaj, štedi i pobijedi’

In October and November, we organised the drawing competition ‘Crtaj, štedi i pobijedi,’ as a support of the NLB Savings month, for children from 5 up to 14 years old. On the drawing competition from October 30th to November 30th, 240 children from 14 Montenegrin cities participated. Monetary awards were won by nine children. Children's drawings on the topic ‘Saving and sport’ were collected through a special website prepared for this purpose, by uploading a photograph of the drawings on a specially prepared page: www.nlb.me/wnjelja-stednje, where everyone was able to vote for the best drawing. The drawings were voted on ("liking the drawings") directly on the drawing itself, and the drawings with the highest number of votes ("likes") went to top choice. A total of 254 drawings were uploaded and the number of votes ("likes") ranged from 19 to 567.

Of the total number of entries, 30 were shortlisted and divided into three groups according to age. For each group, three best drawings were selected by the internally defined commission led by Sonja Đuranović, a Montenegrin painter. They were financially rewarded with a gift card in the amount of 200 €, 100 €, and 50 € for the first, second, and third places.

NLB Day of pensioners

In May 2018 we organised Pensioners Day in all NLB branches throughout Montenegro. Concerning the financial safety of this particularly sensitive group of clients, we provided special benefits. The purpose of this activity was to reduce the waiting lines and educate our pensioners about the benefits of using the ATMs. For this NLB Day for our pensioners, we prepared brochures with advice for a healthy life and healthy habits, as well as summer refreshments and gifts (shopping bags).

On the same day, the pensioners were presented with the advantages of using the NLB ATMs:

• how to withdraw their pensions using the ATMs and avoid waiting in line in the branch offices;
• how to pay their monthly bills quickly and easily by using the ATMs;
• how to use cash in functionalities of the ATMs.

For all new users of the NLB Silver Package, as well as for all who decide to order a debit card under this package, NLB Bank has prepared a 3 month free membership fee within this campaign. The NLB Silver package, intended for pensioners, contains numerous products and services from banking and insurance domains that are tailored to their needs. In addition, for all pensioners who decide on the NLB Silver loan during the period of the action, the processing of this loan is provided free of charge.

NLB Senior fest

NLB Bank devotes special attention to pensioners; it confirms participation in Senior fest - event which aims to promote the social inclusion of pensioners and improve the quality of life of this population in Montenegro. NLB Bank was the general sponsor of the first Senior Fest, which was held on June 30th in the Adventure Park "Gorica" in Podgorica. At the Senior Fest "Then and now" for pensioners, interesting content was offered, that reminded of slightly forgotten social games. They took part in the chess competition, enjoyed music and danced, and those who were slightly more skilled could try out the different activities offered by the Adventure Park. Clients of NLB Bank, but also those who did not, have the opportunity enjoy the special benefits and gifts we prepared on that occasion. Our kindly commercialists made that day fun, but also educational - the pensioners learned some of the financial terms, how to use the Viber service of NLB Bank and the opportunities that it offers. The three most active users of the NLB Viber service on that day at the Senior Fest, were awarded a gift card in the amount of 50 €.

Voli svoje dojke - A campaign to prevent breast cancer

We take special care of our employees because people are our most valuable resources. We can proudly say that we supported the breast cancer prevention campaign titled "Together we beat Breast Cancer!", traditionally held for the 11th year in Montenegro, and its importance is reflected in informing women about the importance of prevention and regular reviews in the fight against this widespread disease. In order to raise employee awareness for their healthy life, we have provided a free medical examination within the campaign. Medical examination is provided for all NLB ladies who checked in via email. For 6 years, 1,723 preventive examinations were carried out, 18 lives were saved, all with one goal: Beat breast cancer.

Sports games in Moravske toplice

Sports game - jubilee 20. Sports games organized by the NLB Group were held at the proven location of good entertainment and  sports (team) spirit - in Moravske Toplice, Slovenia, on May 26th. A large number of colleagues participated in the competition, as well as in the non-competitive activities; 44 colleagues spent a great time in Slovenia, and 30 of them competed in different sports disciplines. We participated in basketball (4 players), beach volleyball (6 participants), bowling (6, mixed team), small football (5 fights), running (3, mixed team) and table tennis (3, mixed the team). We should not omit golf, swimming and chess, where our colleagues gave their best and some of them won the medal. In Golf we were represented by Martin Leberle, CEO, while Milena Lalović, the head of the branch in Tivat, was our representative in chess. In these disciplines, we won medals - second place in golf and third place in chess. After another Sports Games, we are richer in the experience of winning and sporting defeats, and we learned something new about ourselves and colleagues, but firstly all about the importance of the team game, fair play that leads to the goal - whether the goal is making friendships, building relationships or winning in the sports field.

In addition to sporting events, talent meetings were held in Ljubljana. The Talent Meeting was opened by Blaž Brodnjak, President of the Management Board of NLB d.d. After that, the attendees had the opportunity to view all the videos through which the CEOs of the NLB Group members said how and where they saw potential talents in their banks. Within the meeting, Professor Dr. Velimir Srića gave a lecture on the theme "Leaders of the Future" dedicated to the key behaviors that are necessary to create a constructive organizational culture. Vesna Vodopivec, HR Director at NLB dd, welcomed the present talents.

Sports games in Moravske toplice

Spring cleaning

Photo contest "I love Montenegro"

A healthy breakfast for a good and productive day!

Modern times dictate new life rules, so employees are often forced to feed unhealthily and irregularly due to a lack of time. By taking care of the health of employees at NLB Banka, we set up a self-service appliance with fresh food and drinks at the Bank's headquarter. Employees can choose between salad, sandwich, fresh juices, cakes and other delicacies. We know how much diversity in nutrition is important, so menu in the appliance is changing weekly. Every working day, the appliances are filled twice in order for employees to always have a healthy, tasty and fresh meal.

Healthy habits, healthy nature, healthy bank!

Each employee received a glass with his name. Through this action, we reminded colleagues how important it is to drink enough water and stay hydrated throughout the day, especially when we are at work, overwhelmed by the obligations. Not only does the lack of water in the body disturb the concentration, it reduces the level of energy and increases the chance of headache, but can also seriously affect health. We care about the health of our employees, but also about the preservation of the environment. Through this action, we have drawn attention to the detrimental use of plastic packaging.

Tennis for employees

In order to popularize tennis, we organized a free tennis school for all employees. The tennis school was organized in October, on the courts of the tennis club "AS" in Donji Kokoti. The employees have applied for the tennis school during the tennis tournament of the NLB Royal Cup, which was held in September. The employees had clasess twice a week.

Job Shadowing

"Job Shadowing" is a very popular program for career development, leadership skills and acquisition of professional knowledge through the process of monitoring work in an organization. In this way, students gain a better insight into the processes within the organization and participate in the exchange of ideas. Within the project "Job Shadowing", the students of QSI International School of Montenegro, visited our bank and got acquainted with the way banks operate, processes and trends in banking. Noon Khogali from Sudan and Cole Kirby from the United States, accompanied by their professor Vanja Krunić, were our guests for one day, and during that time visited different sectors. They had the opportunity to attend the Management Board meeting, where our colleagues from Financial and Risk operating department presented the Anual Report and the NLB Bank's Risk Management Report for the first quarter. On that occasion our guests talked with members of Management board, and after the meeting, they had the opportunity to ask them questions.

Job shadowing

Elementary school “Lovcenski partizanski odred”, Cetinje

NLB Bank donated a valuable donation to the elementary school "Lovcenski partizanski odred" in Cetinje. The donation enabled the purchase of three computers that will help teachers and students to master the material from information technology subject more quickly.

Elementary school “Lovcenski partizanski odred”

Employees of NLB Banka volunteered in the educational unit of JPU "Đina Vrbica" in Podgorica

NLB Bank donated an electric bus to the municipality of Zabljak

In keeping up with the high standards in all aspects of business, especially in the area of ​​environmental responsibility and the community in which it operates, NLB Bank has donated the first electric bus in Montenegro to the Municipality of Zabljak today. Eco-friendly means of transport will be represented on the entire planet in the future, and we are proud that we are the ones to begin with this trend in this region. This modern electric vehicle will have a positive impact on the environment of this region and will contribute to raising the awareness of the local population and tourists about the importance of preserving natural assets such as the National Park Durmitor, which is part of UNESCO's protected natural heritage. The electric bus will significantly affect the reduction of pollution due to the emission of exhaust gases and the reduction of CO2 emissions, which is increasing due to the increase in the number of vehicles and traffic jams during the winter and summer seasons. The bus is aimed to transport tourists from the city center to the Durmitor National Park, during the summer and to the Savin kuk and Javorovača ski slopes during the winter season. The ceremonial delivery of the donation was attended by Dusko Markovic, Prime Minister in the Government of Montenegro, NJ. Ex. Mitja Močnik, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Montenegro, representatives of local government and public enterprises, as well as the media. On this occasion, a promotional drive was carried out by an electric bus to the Black Lake and back for the officials and the media.

NLB Bank donated an electric bus to the municipality of Zabljak

Participation in the humanitarian auction of art paintings

This is an unusual event where art works of 34 artists from the territory of Montenegro were sold through the auction, which were made in various techniques from oil on canvas, through watercolors and combined techniques. NLB Banka contributed to this event by participating in the auction and purchasing an artwork in the amount of 900 €. At the auction,  7,600 € was collected, and half of the amount have been donated to the Children's Home "Mladost" in Bijela, and the rest of the collected amount the authors got. By supporting this auction, NLB Banka wanted to point out the importance of such events, emphasize the importance of art for all aspects of life, and support charity work as well as Montenegrin artists.

A gift for a children's smile

New Year's holidays are recognized as the time of giving and sharing but also spending a nice time with family and friends. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to welcome the New Year at the desired location. NLB Bank, as a socially responsible member of the society is trying to replace the warmth of the home, so the employees have set aside a little time, a lot of good will, and prepared gifts for children from a children's hospital in Podgorica. New Year's Eve in this hospital each year spend about 100 children, whom presents, dedication and attention, wishes for a quick healing can make smiles and beautify the holiday days. At the entrance to the headquarter of the bank a donation box was placed, and all employees were invited to buy a gift of their choice and according to their possibilities. There was only one rule - the value of the gift should not exceed the amount of 10 €. Employees donated toys, dolls, coloring books, drawing accessories, school books, cheerful pillows, New Year's ornaments... A workshop was organized in the bank in which employees have packed gifts, write and decorate New Year's greeting cards with the wishes for a quick healing for the children. On december 31st, employees and Santa Claus, visited children from Children's Hospital in Podgorica, gave the presents and spent a very nice time together.

A gift for a children's smile

TV Show “Dnevnica”

As a caring mentor we know that support is important in the days when we achieve our goals, but even more when bad days come. This is the main idea which led us to cooperation with TV show “Dnevnica”.

We participated in one episode of this TV show in aims to support a table tennis club from Herceg Novi.

Local musicians have worked in our branch in Herceg Novi for one day, and “earned daily allowance” donated to the table tennis club. NLB Bank also donated a funds in total amount of 500 €.

Blood donation “NLB Heroes”

As socially responsible citizens, who care about their health and are ready to help others, employees of the bank joined NLB Day of Voluntary Blood Donation, which was organized on December 14th in the headquarter of the bank. Blood is a life saving gift that each of us can share. Daily, at the Institute for Blood Transfusion, at the state level, 150 blood components are being prepared for issuing to general and special hospitals, as well as towards the Clinical Center of Montenegro, which is the only tertiary level institution in our country. The action was supported by a large number of colleagues but only fifteen of them were able to give blood.

Health center in Tivat

Great attention is focused on a responsible attitude towards the society in which we operate. Thus, we started 2018 with the donation of funds in the amount of 1,700 € to the Health Center Tivat, for the procurement of equipment that will make everyday activities easier for employees in this health institution. Donated funds was used for purchase of equipment for the employees in the Health center.

‘Small Steps Change the World for the Better’

In 2018 we continued the campaign “Small Steps Change the World for the Better”. We dedicated donation in total amount of 5,000 € and through NLB branches we collected  3,000 €. In the last year campaign we included our clients who are prominent public figures but also basketball players from BC “Buducnost Voli” supported the campaign. We made a short video messages. They sent a strong message about importance of the campaign, and  invited others to participate.

We collected the funds for the maternity ward in Podgorica. The official delivery of the voucher in the amount of 8,000 € to the representative of the maternity ward was held at a New Year’s event for a corporate clients. On that occasion, we invited all those who were present to donate, in a box that was specially prepared for this purpose. In 2019, the necessary equipment for maternity ward will be handed over by Marko Popovič, executive director of NLB Banka.

NLB is a part of the winning team BC ‘’Buducnost Voli’’

NLB Banka signed a contract of cooperation with ‘’Buducnost Voli’’ basketball club as a Premium sponsor of the club for the 2018/2019 season. That the support for the development of Montenegrin sports, top sportsmen and young talents is one of the strategic commitments of NLB Banka, is confirmed by the cooperation with BC ‘’Buducnost Voli’’ which is renewed each year. "For us at NLB Bank, it is always an honor to be in the company of the champions of basketball club Budućnost Voli, since we share the same goals, which is: playing to win at the biggest European level. In NLB Banka we recognized the potential of this brilliant Club long before winning the Aba League title therefore with today's contract we are not only renewing our commitment - to the players, trainers and club management, but also we become the Premium partner of the club. This cooperation makes the whole team of NLB Banka in Montenegro proud. And last but not least. I would like to emphasize that our clients will benefit from this strong partnership, through access to new products and services. We are eagerly waiting for a new, more exciting season, when basketball players will also fight for the title of Euro league and we will cheer from the bottom of our hearts for them all over Europe, "said Martin Leberle, CEO of NLB Bank. NLB Banka prepared a special benefit for all basketball fans and enabled NLB credit card users to secure their season tickets for the Aba and Euro League matches, as well as the domestic championship and the Cup of Montenegro, in 10 month instalments. All users of NLB Visa Libero, Revolving or Gold Card, Mastercard Gold and Standard Cards, as well as NLB Bank's business credit cards have this advantage at their disposal. We are looking forward to new joint victories and another year of successful cooperation with basketball club "Budućnost Voli".

NLB is a part of the winning team BC ‘’Buducnost Voli’’

NLB Royal Cup 2018

This year as well the general sponsor of the professional WTA tournament "NLB Royal Cup 2018" was NLB Bank. The tournament was held on the courts of the Tennis Club "AS" in the period from September 14^th to September 23^rd, 2018. It is the only professional women's tournament in the region, which is played outdoors, and it becomes even more attractive thanks to a prize fund in amount of 25,000 USD. White sports fans had the opportunity to enjoy the game of professional tennis players from around the world, from around 20 countries. This sports event from year to year attracts great public attention, especially due to the fact that a lot of players took part in this tournament, who took up one of the top 100 positions on the WTA list, as well as the best Montenegrin tennis player Danka Kovinic, who won her first professional Points at this particular tournament. At the tournament participated as well Garbin Muguruza, who was the first world player in 2017, Anett Kontaweit, who currently occupies the 20 position on the WTA list and many others. Last year's star of the tournament and one of the favorites is Barbara Haas, who currently occupies the 237 position on the WTA list, while in 2016 she won the Royal Cup.

NLB Royal Cup 2018

Basket 4 kids

NLB Bank supported the regional basketball tournament Basket4kids and donated funds for the purpose of its realization. This is a project intended for children up to 13 years old, that  gathered 700 children from the region, of which 130 from Montenegro. This event has been organized since last year, and has already gained great popularity and has become one of the leading, both in the region and in Europe. The main goal of the project is to connect children from different regions aiming to take an active part in their physical development and to promote basketball, sports and socializing among young people. This make possible for small clubs and basketball schools working with younger categories to show their work beyond the boundaries of their countries. NLB Bank recognized the significance of the project, which provides the youngest with the opportunity to showcase their skills and encourage them and invited interested, to contribute to the popularization of this tournament, which won the heart of the audience in a short time.

FC Breznica, Pljevlja

We supported the football club "Breznica" within the project "Popularization of female and male football in schools in the territory of the municipality of Pljevlja", by money donation.

We recognized the importance of this project, because it promotes healthy life, equality and respect for diversity among cultures through love of sport. The project aims at raising social awareness and pointing to basic children's rights and the obligation of the community to pay special attention to the most vulnerable groups, children and youth with special needs, who are often excluded from social life.

The project involved 600 children, six major promotions of football and sports in Pljevlja, held in different educational institutions, and one of the events was held at the Pljevlja city stadium.

NLB Bank Supports Tournament in Basket

NLB Bank supported the XI night tournament in the basket titled "Throw Drugs into the Basket", which was organized from August 29th to August 31st in the "Ada" Hall in Pljevlja. The event with a ten-year tradition year after year attracts greater interest. This year's tournament brought together a numerous of athletes, journalists and young people, and around six thousand visitors visited it for three days. The aim of the tournament was to raise awareness of the importance of the problems that addiction diseases causes to the whole society and to engage individuals as well as  local communities, humanitarian organizations and socially responsible companies.

Last year we engaged in events and activities which:

• support the financial education of our clients and wider public.
• increase awareness for sport and health through promoting sport among youth, and by supporting our basketball team and tennis tournament.
• promote environmental protection.
• support humanitarian organisations and give donations for a better quality of life.

The goals of our CSR activities are:

• creating better conditions for the functioning of the society,
• coverage of different areas of social activity, according to the heterogeneous structure,
• raising awareness of the significance of the projects we support,
• creating an image of caring mentor.

Through different activities we promote everything we do every day. We promoted our values, and emphasised the taking care of clients and the community in which we operate, and all the employees of NLB Bank who constantly invest a lot of effort and energy to make our clients satisfied.

Helping clients

NLB Bank with its responsible work has managed to gain trust from customers, trying to always give advice based on knowledge, expertise and experience to help them prepare for everything that follows.

With the development of modern banking, investment and insurance services, the bank offers clients the services that are appropriate to their financial reality by helping them overcome the challenges and make the right solution to maintain their future.

Arrangements for internship and practical work

Signed agreements with Colleges for participating in internship-practical work

Like in previous years, in 2018 the Bank signed agreements with Colleges such as AUK, AAB, RiInvest as well as with individual students based on their request for participating in internship-practical work. The duration of internship-practical work was from 2 weeks up to 6 months.  

The Human Resources and Organization Section held lectures with all students who were accepted in the Bank for internship-practical work regarding ethics and work culture in the Bank.  NLB Banka is committed to sharing best banking practices with young people through practical work, as well as to the creation of opportunities, whenever this is possible, in employment of young people who successfully complete the studies. At the end of internship all participants receive certificates. 

Open door visits for youngsters

During 2018, NLB Banka has offered an open door visits for youngsters and used these meetings as opportunities to give a financial education to pupils in different cities of Kosova. The purpose of these meetings was to inspire and educate citizens to achieve financial success by increasing the effectiveness of money management.