Provided that their development of assets and deposits continues along the lines of the first nine months, Lebanon’s First National Bank is set to achieve growth in the magnitude of 20% to 25% this year – strengthening its claim to be one of the fastest advancers in Lebanon’s banking industry at the beginning of the millennium. In their half-year results on June 30, FNB reported total assets breaching the $1 billion mark at LL1.506 trillion, and by August 31, the bank’s books showed further growth to LL1.536 trillion. On December 31, 2003, assets clocked in at LL1.308 trillion. Customer deposits reached LL1.196 trillion at the end of August, up from LL1.112 trillion at the close of last year. These figures mark 2004 as a year of moderation in the development of FNB, knowing how the bank has advanced in less than five years from assets of merely $80 to $100
