| 1993 | After years of leading successfully First Financial Brokerage House (FFBH) (a leading non-banking financial institution on the Bulgarian capital market), mr. Ivailo Mutafchiev and mr. Tseko Minev established on October 8, 1993, First Investment Bank. The Bank has a general banking license issued by the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) according to which it is allowed to conduct all banking transactions permitted by Bulgarian legislation.
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| 1994-1995 | - The Bank developed and specialised in servicing corporate clients.
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| 1996 | - Fibank was the first in Bulgaria to offer services enabling banking from home or from the office.
- Fibank was the first bank to receive a 5-year loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for financing small and medium-sized enterprises in Bulgaria.
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| 1997 | - The Bank started issuing Cirrus/Maestro debit cards, Eurocard/Mastercard credit cards and the American Express card. Fibank was the first Bulgarian bank to offer debit cards with international access.
- Thompson Bankwatch awarded Fibank its first credit rating.
- The Bank opened its first branch abroad, in Cyprus.
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| 1998 | - Fibank obtained its first syndicated loan from foreign banks. The Bank negotiated financing for the import of investment goods from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, guaranteed by export insurance agencies.
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| 1999 | - The Bank concluded a syndicated loan arranged by EBRD for the total amount of EUR 12.5 million.
- First Investment Bank received medium-term loan of EUR 6.6 million from a German government organization for funding Bulgarian companies.
- The Bank established a foreign branch in Tirana, Albania that offers banking services to Albanian companies and individuals.
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| 2000 | - First Investment Bank started developing its business in the field of retail banking. Deposits from private individuals grew 2.3 times.
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| 2001 | - First Investment Bank launched the first virtual bank branch in Bulgaria allowing customers to bank via the Internet.
- The Bank was awarded the prize "Bank of the Year" by "Pari" ("Money") daily.
- Maya Georgieva, Executive Director of Fibank, received the prize "Banker of the Year" from "The Banker" weekly.
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| 2002 | - Fibank was named "Bank of the Client" in the annual rating of "Pari" daily.
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| 2003 | - Products and services to individuals became the focus of the Bank's activities. Loans to individuals increased over five times during the year.
- Fibank was named "Bank of the Client" for the second time in the annual rating of "Pari" daily.
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| 2004 | - The Bank expanded its infrastructure. The branch network expanded by 27 new branches and offices, the ATM network more than doubled.
- The Bank was awarded the prize "Financial Product of the Year" for its Mortgage Overdraft product.
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| 2005 | - Fibank acquired 80% of the capital of Diners Club Bulgaria AD.
- The Bank issued Eurobonds at the amount of EUR 200 million on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Fibank was also the first Bulgarian bank to issue perpetual subordinated bonds.
- Matthew Mateev, Deputy Chief Executive Director of Fibank, was awarded the prize "Banker of the Year" by "The Banker" weekly.
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| 2006 | |
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| 2007 | - Fibank realized the biggest banking initial public offering of shares in Bulgaria. The Bank became a public company and increased its issued share capital from BGN 100 million to BGN 110 million.
- "Fibank Mobile" - the first banking mobile portal created by Fibank with useful financial information for its customers, started functioning.
- Fibank was one of the first banks in Bulgaria to implement the new chip technology when issuing debit and credit cards. The processing of card transactions was transferred to the new authorization centre in Macedonia - CaSys International.
- The Albanian Central Bank issued a full banking licence to First Investment Bank - Albania Sh.a.
- Fibank became the official representative of the New Zealand Mint for Bulgaria and the Balkans.
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| 2008 | - Repaid on maturity EUR 200 million of principal and EUR 15 million of interest on a long-term bond, issued by First Investment Finance B.V.
- Fibank successfully completed the first stage of the new centralized and integrated core banking information system FlexCube, suitable for retail banking as well as for corporate banking, with a module for Internet banking and a module for work processes management.
- FIBank was named “Bank of the Client” for the fourth time in the annual rating of "Pari" daily.
- Fibank received a syndicated loan at the amount of EUR 65 million from 11 leading banks all over the world.
- Fibank became the first bank in Bulgaria with own corporate blog–an Internet platform where clients, employees and fans of FIBank can exchange ideas, share impressions of the Bank in general, its products and services, its initiatives and values.
- Fibank received the prestigious card business award OSCARDS of Publi-News in the Europe region for innovation in the card business.
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| 2009 | - Fibank became the first and only bank in Bulgaria, which started offering the sale and redemption of investment diamonds.
- Fibank offers a new on-line service "My Fibank" - part of the Bank's Eco-program, which provides customers with electronic statements on their current and deposit accounts and credit cards.
- Two syndicated loans are obtained from leading international banks have been repaid.
- First Investment Bank launched a new service for cardholders cash back, providing an opportunity for cash withdrawal at POS terminals in the country.
- The corporate website of Fibank (www.fibank.bg) became BG Site of 2009 in the category "Banks and Finance" at the tenth anniversary edition of the competition "BG Site", organized by the Bulgarian Web Association.
- Part of the Headquarters of Fibank moved to a new modern building at 81G Bulgaria Blvd. in Sofia in order to improve business processes and optimize the cost of operation and maintenance.
- Fibank has been awarded with the prize "Bank of the customer".
- Fibank signed a partnership agreement with Eximbank (China).
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| 2010 | - Fibank celebrates its one millionth customer.
- Fibank signed an agreement with IFC (International Finance Corporation) for cooperation in the area of business financing.
- Fibank is the first bank in the country to offer contactless payments with PayPass technology - an innovative service with a new generation of bank cards.
- Fibank loyalty program YES launched with a new credit card and bonus points loyalty program.
- Fibank took the prize for market share at the annual awards of the Association "Bank of the Year" by achieving the largest scale for a unit of share capital and has attracted the most deposits from households and companies in the country, and returned most of this money into the Bulgarian economy.
- Fibank has four new subsidiaries - Debita Ltd., Realtor Ltd., Insurance Health Fund FiHealth AD, Framas Enterprises Limited.
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| 2011 | - Fibank was announced for "Best Bank in Bulgaria" for 2011 by the financial magazine Euromoney, which has introduced the most innovative marketing solutions and products and has demonstrated strong growth and sustainable performance indicators and profit.
- The Bank acquired 100% of the capital of "Balkan Financial Services" - a company that provides consulting services for implementation of financial information systems and software development.
- Fibank issued new hybrid debt for EUR 20 million by placing perpetual subordinated bonds under private placement conditions, which is included in Tier I capital of the Bank.
- Fibank has been announced for the second time "Bank of the Year" and awarded with the prize for market share at the annual awards of the Association "Bank of the Year".
- Fibank launched a new service - telephone banking, allowing to perform active banking operations (transfers) and passive banking (receiving reference banking information) by the phone.
- A new mobile version of Virtual Bank Branch (e-fibank) has been developed.
- Fibank developed services for financing and managing European programs projects, including by providing customers with full administrative and financial support at each stage of the project cycle.
- Maya Georgieva (Executive Director of First Investment Bank) received the award "Banker of Year 2011" by Banker Newspaper for achieved market stability and gained customer confidence.
- The Bank, ahead of the local market, completed the development of its policies for internal corporate governance in accordance with the latest guidelines of the European Banking Authority.
- New Executive Directors of the Bank were elected - Dimitar Kostov, Vasil Hristov and Svetoslav Moldovanski.
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| 2012 | - Fibank issued new hybrid debt for EUR 20 million in the form of second tranche of perpetual subordinated bonds under private placement conditions, included in Tier I capital of the Bank.
- The members of the Management Board and Executive Directors - Evgeni Lukanov, Maya Georgieva and Jordan Skorchev were transferred to the Supervisory Board of the Bank.
- Three committees were formed - General Committee, Risk Committee and Remuneration Committee to support the work of the Supervisory Board of the Bank.
- The Bank started offering a new service - buying bullions and coins of investment gold and silver.
- Fibank began issuing contactless cards Visa payWave.
- A new service was offered for cardholders - registration for 3D Security of cards under the programs Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.
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| 2013 | - First Investment Bank AD acquired 100% of shares of MKB Unionbank EAD and became the sole owner of the capital of the company. The transaction has been successfully completed after approvals received from the competent authorities. Between the two companies has been signed a contract for transformation through infusion of Unionbank EAD to First Investment Bank AD.
- Fibank offers investment and working capital loans at lower interest rates denominated in Euro for small and medium enterprises under JEREMIE initiative.
- Maya Oyfalosh was elected Executive Director of the First Investment Bank AD.
- First Investment Bank celebrates the 20th anniversary of its foundation.Fibank started offering a new card Debit MasterCard with innovative functionality for contactless payments and no fees for withdrawals from ATM terminal in the country.
- Fibank received three awards at the annual awards of Bank of the Year Association – for "Client’s Bank 2012", for "Market share" and for "Mystery Shopper".
- Fibank issued new hybrid debt (bond issue) under the terms of private offering with a total amount of 40 million EUR (two tranches), which is included in Tier I capital.
- Cooperation was signed between Fibank and German partners for offering deposit accounts through the Internet platform WeltSparen (SavingGlobal) to raise deposits from the German market under conditions for providing financial services at a distance.
- Fibank was approved for financing by the European Investment Fund under guarantee scheme "Risk Sharing Tool", aimed at innovative small and medium enterprises with the guarantee portfolio of 15 million EUR.
- Customers have the opportunity for online sale of products from investment gold and other precious metals.
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| 2014 | - Fibank successfully finalized the merger of MKB Unionbank EAD. The procedure for IT and technological merger and merger for the accounting purposes of the two banks was also completed.
- The Bank signed a new agreement with the National Guarantee Fund for a guarantee scheme to provide financing for SME in Bulgaria under risk sharing mechanism.
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| 2015 | - Fibank signed an agreement with International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, aimed to strengthen the bank's corporate governance and risk management in accordance with the best practices. The two institutions have a long-term cooperation dated from 2010.
- Fibank's rating from Fitch Ratings is as follows: Long-term IDR 'B-' with a stable outlook ; Short-term IDR 'B‘; Viability Rating 'b-‘; Support Rating '5'; Support Rating Floor 'No Floor' ‘.
- A new independent member of the Supervisory Board was elected: Mr. Jyrki Koskelo, an accomplished professional with extensive experience in the IFC.
- Fibank repaid a perpetual debt instrument with an original principal amount of EUR 27 million after approval from the BNB and EC.
- A new organizational structure of the Bank was adopted, further elaborating the control functions and introducing new positions, including those of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Compliance Officer.
- In an effort to maintain an open line of communication with investors and enhance dialogue with minority shareholders, a Club of investors was created.
- For a second consecutive year, First Investment Bank was distinguished as the favorite brand among financial institutions in Bulgaria by the global organization Superbrands.
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| 2016 | - Fibank signed a new BGN 20 million agreement with the National Guarantee Fund for a portfolio guarantee scheme to provide financing for the Bulgarian SMEs.
- In accordance with the Plan approved by the European Commission, Fibank (First Investment Bank) has repaid the state aid of BGN 1.2 billion received in June 2014.
- The international rating agency Fitch has affirmed the Bank's ratings with Stable outlook.
- Fibank has successfully passed the Asset Quality Review and the Stress Test.
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| 2017 | - First Investment Bank launched a fully online consumer loan application on the Bank‘s website at: www.credit.fibank.bg.
- First Investment Bank became a direct participant in the pan-European payment system STEP2 SCT (SEPA Credit Transfer) operated by EBA Clearing within the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).
- Fibank upgraded its core banking information system by migrating to the highest version of Oracle Flexcube 12, with a view to faster and easier parameterization of new, more flexible and individualized banking products and services, and to increasing the speed of service over both physical and digital distribution channels.
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| 2018 | - First Investment Bank celebrated its 25th anniversary as the largest Bulgarianowned bank in the country and an institution with an established brand for high
quality of service. - A new Smart Lady program was launched aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs. The program mainly targets micro, small and medium-sized businesses
run by women, as well as businesses producing products and services designed
for women. - A new electronic deposit product My Deposit was launched, opened and managed entirely online through the My Fibank electronic banking system.
- A new software Fibank Token was launched as a means of signature and authentication in the electronic banking system of the Bank, featuring two-factor
authentication and QR Code scanning technology. - An innovative Evolve credit card of a new generation was developed, combining three brands (Fibank, Diners Club and MasterCard) into a single payment
instrument. - First Investment Bank signed an agreement with the Bulgarian Development Bank for the financing of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with the support of the European Strategic Investment Fund (COSME+).
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| 2019 | - Fibank started to actively offer financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with the support of the European Strategic Investment Fund (COSME+).
- An innovative service was launched for the remote signing of consumer loans by using a software/hardware token, or qualified electronic signature through a mobile application of an external certification service provider.
- Fibank developed a new service for contactless withdrawals from ATMs of the Bank, providing additional speed and convenience for customers in carrying out such transactions.
- An innovative project for making payments using a Garmin smart watch with Garmin Pay functionality was successfully implemented in partnership between Fibank, Mastercard and Garmin.
- First Investment Bank was among the leading banks to join the global SWIFT gpi solution, which significantly improves the speed and traceability of cross-border transfers.
- Fibank was the first among banks in the country to launch the Apple Pay service for making fast, convenient and secure mobile payments via digital card and smart devices supporting the Apple Wallet functionality.
- First Investment Bank provided access, via My Fibank mobile banking, to payment accounts of its customers kept with other payment service providers, including the provision of account information and payment initiation services.
- First Investment Bank successfully placed, under the terms of a private placement, a debt-equity (hybrid) instrument (bond issue) worth a total of EUR 30 million.
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| 2020 | - Fibank was the first bank in Bulgaria, which allowed rescheduling of payments to borrowers experiencing difficulties in connection with the state of emergency and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- First Investment Bank signed an agreement with the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) under a Program to guarantee interest-free loans for people deprived of employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- First Investment Bank successfully increased its capital by BGN 195,424 thousand. New shareholders of the Bank became the Bulgarian Development Bank AD with 18.35% and Valea Foundation of the Czech entrepreneur Mr. Karel Komarek with 7.87%.
- First Investment Bank signed an agreement with the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) under a Portfolio Guarantee Program to support the liquidity of micro, small and medium enterprises affected by the emergency situation and the COVID-19 epidemic.
- The Bank developed a mechanism for repayment of credit card purchases, including ones made on virtual POS, in equal installments (3, 6, 9, 12 months).
- First Investment Bank signed an agreement with the Fund Manager of Financial Instruments in Bulgaria (Fund of Funds) for a capped Portfolio Guarantee in support of SMEs aimed at overcoming the consequences of COVID-19.
- The subsidiary MyFin EAD started its activity by offering a digital platform for fast money transfers and online payments, issuance of digital and virtual cards, as well as peer-to-peer payments between MyFin customers, Pay by Link.
- A new Video Consultation service was launched, available through the corporate website www.fibank.bg, the My Fibank digital banking platform and the My Fibank mobile application and offering advice to individuals on the credit products of the Bank.
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| 2021 | A project for digitalization of the branch network was launched - electronic signing of documents in the Bank's offices. It is possible to open a current account with a debit card online through the Bank's newly developed portal - https://smetka.fibank.bg/. The subsidiary Mayfin EAD is developing the functionalities of its digital wallet through new services related to personal finance management (PFM), utility payments and online purchases. "Fibank is among the first banks in the country to be included in the Recovery Program announced by the government to support small and medium-sized enterprises to overcome the consequences of COVID-19" Debit Mastercard Platinum – a new debit card in the premium segment offering a number of benefits, incl. an application with virtual assistant (AskPLEEZ!) and concierge services. New products for individuals and business clients have been developed - "Gold Wallet" and "Eco Wallet", tied to the price of gold and a portfolio of bonds based on green projects First Investment Bank offers an innovative product - "Gold Account" for storage and purchase and sale of non-cash gold (XAO). New credit products have been developed for business customers - "Green Transport", "Green Energy - Free Market" and "Green Energy - Own Consumption" in implementation of the initiatives for sustainable development.
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Fibank