Nordea came out of 2009 in an even stronger position, despite one of the most challenging years for decades. Nordeas risk-adjusted profit increased 22% and Nordeas capital position and cost of funding are among the best in Europe. We have had a strong development in our customer business throughout the year. Income from corporate customers increased 8%.
Our relationship banking strategy has stood the test of the difficult market situation, says Christian Clausen president and group CEO of Nordea. By moving even closer to customers and helping them find solutions in the recession, we strengthened our reputation and improved customer satisfaction compared to competitors. We have established a strong platform to continue on a prudent growth track.
Nordeas vision is to be a Great European bank, acknowledged for its people, creating superior value for customers and shareholders. We are making it possible for our customers to reach their goals by providing a wide range of products, services and solutions within banking, asset management and insurance. Nordea has around 10 million customers, approximately 1,400 branch offices and a leading net banking position with 5.9 million e-customers. The Nordea share is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic Exchange in Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen.
D.C.