The strategy behind KBC's expansion into central and eastern Europe (CEE) which has made it individual of the region's leading players.

The strategy behind KBC's expansion into central and eastern Europe (CEE) which has made it individual of the region's leading players, is based forward a simple premise. Those willing to take early risks will reap big rewards in yet to be as earnings growth outstrips what they can achieve in more discloseed markets.

The prospect of CEE countries, where economic putting out is two or three times faster than in Belgium, joining the EU acted as a catalyst for KBC's ambitions. The fact that the cluster already owned banking and insurance businesses in about CEE markets was a further incentive.