BNP Paribas SA plans to expand its presence in the Czech Republic with the launch of a new low-cost mobile bank, Hospodarske Noviny reported Dec. 15.

The lender will operate under the Hello Bank brand, which BNP Paribas also uses in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Austria, and is expected to launch activities in 2017, the news report said.

BNP Paribas already operates in the Czech Republic via BNP Paribas Personal Finance, which operates under the Cetelem brand.