UNIStream system turnover in Armenia in 2009 made up $551 million

According to the source, the volume of money transfer to Armenia out of the total turnover of UNIStream in the republic made up $494.9 mln (the number of money transfer - 671507 transactions), and that from Armenia - $56.1 mln (the number - 40951 transactions). The lion's share of transfers by UNIStream to and from Armenia fell on Russia and made up 96% and 87%, respectively. The second place is held by Ukraine - 0,95% (incoming) and 6% (outgoing), followed by Greece and Georgia. 59% in the total volume of transfers have been carried out in US dollars, 32% - in Russian rubles, 5% - in Euro and 4% - in Armenian drams. According to the data of Unibank, 51% of the Armenian money transfer market falls on the UNIStream (on transfers sent and received).

According to the data of Armenia's Central Bank, net inflow of private transfers to Armenia through commercial banks by international payment systems made up 102 bln drams by late 3Q, 2009, having grown by 37% (by 28 bln drams), as compared to 2Q, and having reduced by 24% (by 34 bln drams), as compared to 3Q, 2008. CB forecasted 30-35% reduction of private transfers inflow to Armenia for 2009.

To note, UNIStream has been operating in Armenia through its exclusive partner, Unibank, since the second half of 2002.