Local presence is OP Uusimaa’s strength: we know the companies in Uusimaa.

“Most of our corporate customers have a dedicated contact person with whom the company can handle all their important banking matters,” says Tiina Mäkelä, Business Director at OP Uusimaa Corporate Bank.

Mikko Yli-Isotalo, Business Director, is responsible for special segments for corporate customers, including healthcare, construction and community customers.

“We receive a lot of positive feedback from our customers for our personal service and local decision-making. It shows that companies appreciate our desire to be present in their everyday lives,” Yli-Isotalo says.

Mäkelä sees meetings as a way to understand the customers’ business as well as possible.

“We want to give a face to banking services. It is important for us to meet our corporate customers in person, both at the companies' premises and at our offices. In addition, the bank’s management meets the companies’ management and owners several times a week.” 

OP Uusimaa’s mission

Almost half of the new companies in Finland are established in Uusimaa. About 44 per cent of Finnish growth companies are located here. Companies in Uusimaa play a key role in the growth and success of Finland as a whole.

OP Uusimaa’s mission is to help create financial well-being in Uusimaa. It serves companies of all sizes in Uusimaa, from micro enterprises to companies aiming to international markets.

Yli-Isotalo says that the bank has prioritised expertise and recruited finance and credit directors, lawyers and analysts as well as several other experts to serve the needs of companies. 

“We want to help companies of all sizes grow in Uusimaa, and I feel that we have succeeded in doing so. Our corporate credit portfolio has grown significantly recently,” Mäkelä says.

Customer wins

Every company needs functional basic banking services and smooth payment transactions. Other needs vary at different stages of the company's life cyc­le. OP Uusimaa supports companies throughout their entire life cycle, from establishment to acquisitions.

“It is important to open payment services smoothly for a new company. Often, start-ups also need funding for initial investments and the start of operations,” Yli-Isotalo says.

For established companies, cash management services are important because they help to ensure smooth and predictable finances in the long term.

“The customer wins when we help the company keep the right amount of money in the cash register according and invest any extra funds profitably,” Mäkelä explains.

“In acquisitions, on the other hand, it is important that the transfer of assets is carried out as well as possible,” he continues.

OP Uusimaa cooperates with Pohjola Insurance and the earnings-related pension insurance company Ilmarinen. This means that matters related to the company’s insurance cover and earnings-related pensions can also be handled easily through your own contact person.

Many employees come to Uusimaa from abroad. Companies need these employees in order to grow.

“We have a team that specialises in providing banking services to employees who come from abroad. We help them with opening a bank account, get a bank card, mortgage and asset management. We help the employees establish themselves to their new country,” says Mäkelä.

Signs of recovery

Recently, companies of all sizes have struggled to see the future clearly. In what direction is the economy heading? Is it safe to invest?

The economy has largely relied on consumer demand. Investments have declined sharply following the downturn in construction, while exports have declined slightly. 

Mäkelä sees signs of recovery in the Finnish economy.

“OP's economists estimate that the recovery will continue and that the economy will grow by an average of two per cent this year. The primary risks are related to the development of the export market,” he says. 

“In our view, the construction sector has reached rock bottom and will start to grow slightly this year,” Yli-Isotalo adds. 

The economic outlook has brightened up and confidence is returning. Uusimaa is right now a good place for companies to thrive – we will succeed together!

OP Uusimaa is your company’s partner in various situations. As the largest OP cooperative bank in Finland, we provide solutions that are guaranteed to meet every need you or your company have. Read more‍.