In an interview with the Irish Times today, KBC Ireland CEO, Wim Verbraeken, discusses the outlook for the bank post the Group’s strategic decision to remain in Ireland.
 
Verbraeken claims KBC is targeting €750m (15% increase) of new Irish mortgage lending in 2017. 

KBC Ireland reported €650m of new drawdowns in 2016 (implied 11.5% share of new mortgage lending). Mr Verbraeken also noted that KBC Ireland are subscale in consumer finance and credit cards. He also reiterated the banks “digital first, customer-centric” strategy in Ireland, noting KBC is unlikely to add extensively to its 15 branch/hub network.
 
According to Goodbody Stockbrokers, "KBC is targeting a 10% share of the Irish retail and micro-SME market over the medium term. The banks focus on growing its retail market shares will intensify competition, likely placing more pressure on other challengers, like PTSB. In addition, the 10% micro-SME target market share is likely to add incrementally to competition for the larger banks."

Source: www.businessworld.ie