The state-owned Oschadbank and Export and Import Bank (Ukreximbank) agreed to set up a consortium of state banks. The general agreement between the banks was signed in the presence of President Viktor Yushchenko. Ukreximbank and Oschadbank are both top-ten Ukrainian banks ranked #6 and #7 in terms of total assets. Concorde Capital: The consortium?s creation will allow the two banks to benefit from a synergetic effect originating from the combination of their retail and corporate expertise. Oschadbank, one of Ukraine?s largest retail banks, will provide Ukreximbank with the biggest branch-network in the country. Oschadbank will benefit from entering the corporate banking segment and Ukreximbank?s extensive experience in this area. Three days before signing the agreement, the National Bank of Ukraine announced it would allow Oschadbank to grant loans to corporate clients.