Social Banking
Prosperity for All
More than 200 years ago, Erste Group opened its doors to everyone. This made access to financial services possible for people who previously could not use them. Our founding principle has guided us in the development of the Social Banking segment. It is an important part of our identity as a bank and our work.
Our Impact
Erste Group’s Social Banking has invested over €800 million in social development across Central and Eastern Europe, helping create or preserve nearly 111,000 jobs - mainly for those excluded from the labour market.
Through our social banking products and initiatives, we empower our clients to achieve financial stability and make thoughtful financial choices - improving their own lives while contributing to a stronger, more supportive society for others. We measure this impact in numbers, which you can find here. But for us, however, these figures represent more than data alone; they reflect meaningful progress toward positive societal change.
814
mln EUR of funding provided
111.496
education support beneficiaries
61.359
supported clients
Our clients say
What we stand for
Financial Sustainability
Social banking covers its costs with all profits being reinvested for long term social impact.
Measureable Social Impact
We measure our direct impact using modern and advanced methods.
Integration in Core Business
Social banking is integrated into our retail and corporate banking, focused on creating jobs and opportunities alongside economic value.
Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion means helping people without access to regular banks. We help small business owners, charities, and people in poverty or excluded.
Social Banking Impact Report 2025
Social Banking Impact Report 2023
Social Banking Impact Report 2021
Social Banking Activity Report 2024
Social Banking Acitivity Report 2022
With its initiatives and projects, Social Banking also makes a valuable contribution to the fulfillment of 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the United Nations’ member states have set to be completed by 2030.
We support
We focus on providing our clients with tailored financial products and know-how, such as financial and business education, consulting, and mentoring. In this way, we help them not only improve their current economic situation, but also build a sustainable base for making the right financial decision and thus reach financial stability in the long-term.
Start-Ups and Micro Entrepreneurs
We support small and new business owners with special loans, business training, mentoring, and money advice. This helps them grow their businesses, create jobs, and improve local economies, especially in certain areas that need more support.
Social Organisations
Social organisations face many challenges. Therefore, we provide them with bridge and investment loans, quasi-equity, and comprehensive capacity-building programs. Our goal is to help them grow, expand their services, and amplify their social impact through sustainable business models and skill enhancement.
People with financial difficulties
We address the issues of financial inclusion by offering specialised accounts, financial advisory services, and housing loans to people in need. Our aim is to empower them to manage unexpected financial challenges and gain access to affordable housing.
Client stories
Ultimately, Social Banking is about far more than figures or financial resilience. Real, positive social change is driven by people, who confront everyday challenges, show the courage to reshape industries and systems, and believe that lasting change is possible. We believe in these people, and here we share some of their personal stories.
Recognition and Awards
Please contact
Please feel free to contact your local partner for more detailed information about projects and products.
For group-wide information to products and the project you can contact Erste Group Team: