Private individuals
Mortgages
Savings
Private banking
Corporate clients
Small and medium-sized enterprises
TV banking
The local Rabobanks and Obvion both gained
market share. Rabobank Group's market share
increased by 2.5 percentage points to 25.5%
(23.0%) in the year under review. To achieve a
higher market share, the local Rabobanks started
the mortgages action programme in 2006,
with the stated aims of greater contact with
clients and more customer-oriented at the local
Rabobanks. The local Rabobanks succeeded in
strengthening their positions and market share
increased from 18.9% to 20.3%. For Obvion,
which sells mortgages via the broker channel,
2006 was an excellent year as well. Obvion's
market share grew by 1.1 percentage points to
5.2% (4.1%). Its success was partly due to the
launch of the Obvion Basic mortgage. The simple
structure of this product makes it possible to
offer a lower rate of interest. Since March 2006,
clients have taken out Obvion Basic mortgages
totalling EUR 2.7 billion, representing more
than 40% of total mortgage production of
EUR 6.1 billion in 2006.
In the second half of 2006, Rabobank acquired
Zoekallehuizen.nl, which gives access to a broad
offer of owner-occupied houses. Through this
website, Rabobank assists private individuals
in finding their dream house.
The local Rabobanks believe it is important
that products are aligned with the client's
current financial situation. In 2006, this was
translated into the 'Your Rabo Mortgage always
up to date' campaign, among other things. The
bank's more effective response to client needs
resulted in higher customer satisfaction among
private individuals, with a score of 7.5 (7.4).
Rabobank's share of the Dutch savings market
at 31 December 2006 was 39.3% (39.4%).
The economic upturn provided an impulse
to consumers to free savings for additional
consumption and to invest in stock, as a result
of which savings at the local Rabobanks
increased by only 4%, while their market share
increased by 0.3 percentage points to 37.4%
(37.1%). Roparco's market share declined.
At 31 December 2006, Roparco's market share
was 1.9% (2.3%).
Clients whose assets or income exceeds
EUR 80,000 may become private banking
clients at the local Rabobanks. Private banking
clients are assigned an account manager and
receive a custom-built service package. In 2006,
Rabobank Private Banking was awarded the
title private bank of the year by Incompany
business magazine.
By serving clients with both corporate and
private banking needs as one - the 'entre
preneur in private' - Rabobank is able to offer
broader options to the client. The local
Rabobank ensures that the client's private
financial affairs are aligned with those of his
enterprise and vice versa. In 2006, the number
of entrepreneurs/private banking clients grew
from 102,000 to 111,000.
Despite strong competitive pressure,
Rabobank remained the market leader in the
small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
sector in 2006. The number of SME clients
grew by 3% to more than 550,000. Rabobank
traditionally has a strong presence in rural
areas. In order to strengthen their position,
the local Rabobanks are increasingly focusing
on SME clients in the large cities. Their market
share in cities was 1 percentage point higher,
at 29% (28%). The overall SME market share, as
measured by TNS NIPO, was stable at 38% (38%).
Rabobank invests in start-up enterprises,
offering them a range of support facilities.
Thanks to the influx of start-up businesses,
Rabobank regained its leadership in this
market, with a market share of 33%.
Since the number of Internet clients is still
growing and because they prefer to manage
their bank affairs themselves, Rabobank is
extending its Internet services ever further.
For instance, from 2006 the Rabobank site has
Home banking from your couch
with your TV remote. Sub
scribers to Rabobank Internet-
bankieren owning a Windows
Media Center have been able to
do this since February 2006.
Rabobank is the first bank in
the Netherlands to make this
new way of banking possible.
Rabo TV banking lets you do
more than just transfer money,
view bank balances and check
debits and credits. Through
interactive videos, clients can
obtain information and advice
on such matters as mortgages,
healthcare insurance, life
course scheme and starting a
business. In addition, the bank
broadcasts a daily investment
news programme, with the
latest stock exchange items,
financial-economic background
information and concrete
trading tips. Rabobank's goals
with TV banking are to enhance
personal contact with its clients
and to add a new dimension to
its position as the Near-you
Bank.
Domestic retail banking 27
