Foundation & Vormärz
(1819–1850)
1819
The Erste oesterreichische Spar-Casse (First Austrian Savings Bank) is founded on October 4 in the rectory of St. Leopold's Church in Vienna's 2nd district. A few notebooks, desks, and an iron cash box form the basic equipment. The savings bank is open for a few hours every Tuesday and Friday. Sixteen association members and an accountant provide their services free of charge.
Establishment, statutes, and regulations of the first Austrian savings bank, 1819
St. Leopold Church, built between 1722 and 1724, engraving by Salomon Kleiner
1824
After a stopover at the Deutschordenshaus on Singerstraße, the expanding savings bank moves to a building on Graben. It is the first of three buildings that will later form the headquarters of the savings bank at Graben 21. Between 1835 and 1839, the current classicist building is constructed according to plans by Alois Pichl.
1825
Based on an initiative by lawyer and notary Ignaz von Sonnleithner, an uncle of Franz Grillparzer, the Allgemeine Versorgungsanstalt (General Pension Fund) is established as a division of the Erste oesterreichische Spar-Casse. It is a prototype of social insurance, a private pension fund for old age and times of need. Within a short period of time, the pension capital grows to 2 million guilders.
1827
In order to spread the idea of savings banks throughout the monarchy, subsidiary branches of the first savings bank, known as „Kommanditen“, were established. These were usually located in merchants' premises and were intended to encourage the founding of independent savings banks, which they often did successfully. In 1829, the number of limited partnerships peaked at 45. The intended effect was successful, and numerous savings banks were established.
1844
A legal regulation for savings banks, known as the Savings Bank Regulation, comes into force. For the first time, savings banks can be established for which the municipality is liable.
The regulation meticulously defines the practical operation and legal requirements. It stipulates a maximum deposit limit and places savings banks under ministerial supervision.