Welcome to Erste Group
The Austrian banking group that puts people first
Erste Group invests in Poland
We are here to stay, to invest and to contribute to the country’s long-term prosperity.
About us
Over 200 years of trust
Since 1819, our mission has been to create prosperity for everyone no matter their nationality, gender or age. The world has changed, but that belief has not. Today, we still carry that purpose forward, serving 23 million customers across 8 Central European countries.
Erste Group in numbers
Our markets
Our History
A bank for people since 1819
For over 200 years, we have been committed to making financial security accessible to everyone. Staying true to that mission has turned what once began as a modest Viennese savings bank into today’s Erste Group - one of the largest banks in Central Europe.
1819: Our founding
1820–1852: The idea of savings banks spreads
1873: Stability despite the Vienna stock market crash
1960s: The electronic age dawns
1997: The starting shot for expansion into CEE
2003: ERSTE Stiftung is established
2006: Social Banking activities start
2012: George, the personal financial companion is launched
2016: FLiP - financial education for a whole life
2025: Erste invests in Poland
Our Brand
Our story begins with a simple principle: Those who believe in themselves can grow. And those who grow can make a difference. This applies to every individual, regardless of their origin.
“No age, no gender, no status, no nation is excluded from the benefits offered by the Savings Bank to each depositor.”
From the founding charter of the “Erste Oesterreichische Sparcasse”. Vienna, October 1819
In 1819, Marie Schwarz became the first customer of Erste, receiving the first savings book. We believed in her, enabling her to build prosperity. Because we had a simple yet radical idea: Personal growth should be open to everyone.
With this idea, we became the largest bank in Central Europe, and the one richest in tradition – enduring for centuries through every crisis.
Until this day, helping people grow and prosper and secure their wealth is the purpose of Erste Group – and the guiding principle for our brand and business. We bring this purpose to life through our brand narrative:
Every country needs people who believe in themselves. And a bank, that believes in them.
#believeinyourself
Financial Health
For more than 200 years, we have seen it as our task to create prosperity for everyone, whatever their nationality, creed, gender or age. Times change, but our founding idea is just as relevant now as it has always been – we are here to accompany people in matters of financial health throughout their lives. Because financial health is the key to a fulfilled and sustainable life – today and in the future.
Frequently asked questions
On 9 January 2026, Erste Group completed its purchase of a 49% controlling stake in Santander Bank Polska and a 50% stake in the asset manager Santander TFI from Santander Group.
With Santander Bank Polska being integrated into Erste Group, the immediate focus is to secure a smooth transition. We do not anticipate any changes for clients. Should any adjustments become necessary, we will ensure they are made with the clear intention of improving the client-experience and delivering even greater value.
As part of the integration, Santander Bank Polska will be rebranded into Erste Bank Polska, after receiving all the necessary approvals. Rebranding is planned within the second quarter of 2026.
Poland is one of Europe’s most dynamic economies, with strong growth prospects and a highly digitalized banking sector. Our strategy is to build on Santander Bank Polska’s strong foundation in retail, SME, business, corporate, and investment banking, while unlocking new opportunities in advisory services, investments, and asset management – areas where Erste Group has proven expertise.
Joining Erste Group connects Santander Bank Polska to a regional banking network with deep expertise and a long-term commitment to Central and Eastern Europe. This will enable the bank to deliver more value to customers through financial health advice and innovative financial solutions.
Yes. Santander Bank Polska becomes part of Erste Group’s regional banking network, benefiting from shared innovation, cross-border business opportunities, and long-term strategic commitment. This integration combines the scale and stability of a regional group with the agility and local expertise of Santander Bank Polska.
No. All existing contracts, account numbers, IBANs, and SWIFT/BIC codes will remain unchanged. Customers do not need to re-sign any documents, and product conditions will not be affected by the acquisition.
Important: Erste Group or Santander Bank Polska will never contact clients requesting confidential banking information. If you receive such a request, please do not share any confidential banking information and contact immediately Santander Bank Polska call center at 19999.
Customer funds remain safe. The change of shareholder will not affect existing agreements. This process is regulated and supervised, and all deposits up to EUR 100,000 are guaranteed by the state-owned Bank Guarantee Fund.
Santander Bank Polska’s current digital platforms will remain in place for the time being. In the medium term, Erste Group will work closely with the Polish team to find the best way to bring our digital banking platform to Poland ensuring the most customer-centric approach and that any future changes deliver real value.
Important: Erste Group or Santander Bank Polska will never contact clients requesting confidential banking information. If you receive such a request, please do not share any confidential banking information and contact immediately Santander Bank Polska call center at 19999.
Yes. Santander Bank Polska will play a key role in Erste Group’s regional strategy. Clients seeking cross-border business – especially in Central Europe – will benefit from new opportunities. Also, clients with activity outside Erste’s core markets will continue to receive full support.
Erste Group is a leading player in corporate banking and capital markets in Central Europe, ranking among the top institutions in debt capital market transactions and equity issuance. Globally, Erste holds the #5 position in covered bonds.
Combining Erste Group’s regional expertise with Santander Bank Polska’s strong corporate and capital markets capabilities will enable us to underwrite larger transactions and offer international distribution of capital markets products – creating new opportunities for corporate clients in Poland and beyond.
Additionally, Erste Group and Santander Group are entering into a new strategic alliance to better serve corporate and institutional clients across borders. Santander provides access to its international network and global product platforms, while Erste contributes its deep expertise in Central and Eastern Europe. The aim is to broaden offerings and support clients in their international growth strategies. By combining strengths and sharing best practices, Erste Group and Santander Group will bolster their ability to originate and execute large-scale transactions globally.
Poland gains a partner committed to long-term growth, innovation, and financial education. Erste Group brings a proven track record of supporting retail, SME business and corporates, while investing in communities and promoting financial health. Poland can expect a bank that offers a blend of personal banking, trust, innovation and unparalleled expertise in Central Europe. Together, we aim to contribute to the continued modernization and competitiveness of the Polish banking sector.
Yes, Erste Group intends to change the name of Santander Bank Polska, as currently it includes the name of the seller. Following all the customary approvals for the new name, Santander Bank Polska will be rebranded. It will include a new name and updated branch design. The rebranding is expected within the second quarter of 2026, and all details will be communicated well in advance to ensure a smooth transition for clients.
Yes. Erste Group intends to merge Erste Securities Polska with Santander Bank Polska’s brokerage house to create one of Poland’s leading brokerage providers.
The acquisition of a 49% stake in Santander Bank Polska is a growth case for Erste Group and not about synergies. Erste Group sees Santander Bank Polska as a key part of its regional strategy and wants the bank to continue leading in areas such as retail and corporate & investment banking, as well as in asset management. This would not be possible without the exceptional team at Santander Bank Polska - highly engaged professionals with outstanding expertise and deep, trusted relationships with customers. Our ambition is to build on the strengths Santander Bank Polska team has already cultivated and grow together.
Media
Browse our most recent press releases, official announcements and media information.
Social Banking
Banking for financial and social inclusion
Erste Group has opened its doors to everyone more than 200 years ago – even to those, who didn’t have access to banking services before. Thus, Social Banking is deeply rooted in our history and is still an integral part of our DNA.
Erste Group’s Social Banking has put a profound focus on people - their lives, needs, environment, education, and, above all, their financial health. Since 2016, we have been on a mission to foster prosperity and expand access to finance in Austria and CEE region. We track our progress in achieving our objectives regularly by a robust impact survey with our clients.
See our impact