BERLIN, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Austria's largest bank, Erste Group, reported a 55% jump in third-quarter net profit on Tuesday as it begins to shake off the effects of the pandemic.

Net profit in the third quarter increased to 533.4 million euros ($618.85 million) from 343.3 million last year. Analysts surveyed had on average expected a net profit of 482 million euros. The operating result also climbed to 906.3 million euros from 805.5 million euros.

"Our results, both on an operating and net basis, have improved significantly compared to coronavirus year 2020,” said CFO Stefan Doerfler.

The bank, which operates in many Eastern European countries, now expects double-digit growth in operating profit and higher net profit for the full year.

Risk costs are especially expected to sink in view of the improved economic outlook, Erste Group added.

"The proven resilience of the economies in our region and the strength of our business model allow us to look optimistically to the end of the year and into next year,” said Doerfler. (Reporting by Miranda Murray, Editing by Louise Heavens)