Bank Rakyat Indonesia is one of the most profitable banks in the world. Its return on equity, a key measure of profitability, stood at 34% in 2013. ROE at most banks in developed countries is in the single digits. BRI's focus on micro loans helps the lender maintain a high interest margin. The bank claims to have a nearly 50% market share in the micro loans segment.
In a bid to expand its telecommunications network across the archipelago, BRI plans to launch its own $250 million satellite. The bank believes this move is the first of its kind.
Sofyan Bashir, who was appointed BRI's president in 2005, will step down next year after his second five-year term. He is rumored to be one of the leading candidates to take over a top post at another state-owned company, such as the national flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia. He previously served as president of Bank Bukopin, a local private lender.
Business Summary
PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk is a holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following segments: Micro Business, Retail Business, Corporate Business, and Subsidiary Business. The Micro Business segment offers banking products and services to individual and micro entrepreneurs. The Retail Business segment provides consumer and commercial banking products and services to small and medium-sized enterprises. The Corporate Business segment caters large corporations and institutions with international banking services, treasury services, and capital market support services. The Subsidiary Business segment includes conventional banking, financing services, remittance services, life insurance, general insurance, venture capital, and securities. The company was founded by Aria Wiriatmaja on December 16, 1895 and is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia.
