Market entry into Poland
Last year marked another milestone in the history of Erste Group. In May 2025, we announced our market entry into Poland. The transaction was completed as planned on 9 January 2026. With the acquisition of a 49% controlling stake in Santander Bank Polska, to be renamed Erste Bank Polska in the second quarter of 2026, we are further expanding our presence in Central Europe. Erste Group also acquired 50% in the asset management firm Santander TFI. The purchase price of both transactions amounted to EUR 7.0 billion.
Poland is both the largest and the fastest-growing economy in the eastern part of the European Union. Poland’s economic resilience, market size and attractive growth dynamics make it a natural and strategically compelling extension of Erste Group’s presence in Central Europe. Through our market entry we not only reinforce our position as the leading bank in the region, but also sustainably improve our growth and profit profile. Our commitment reflects our conviction that Poland and the entire region are a cornerstone of Europe’s future.
Erste Group becomes number 3 bank in Poland
This acquisition will make Erste Group the third largest bank in Poland, with a network of more than 300 branches, and the bank serves country-wide some 6 million customers.
Please note that Erste Bank Polska's results will be presented for the first time as part of Erste Group in the first quarter of 2026.
Consistent strategic logic
This transaction significantly extends our exposure to Central Europe, the fastest-growing and most profitable banking markets in Europe. At the same time it also confers critical mass on entry, in line with our strategic focus to be among the leading banks in any of our markets. Poland has a strong economic track record, and the Polish banking sector is on a long-term growth path.
In short, we are talking about a strategic investment in Erste Group’s future growth.
Full internal funding
Erste Group funded the acquisition exclusively from internal resources, supported by the cancellation of a planned EUR 700 million share buyback announced on 28 February 2025, a temporarily reduced dividend payout ratio of 10% to 2025 net profit and various balance sheet optimisation measures.
As of 31 December 2025 (prior to the first-time consolidation of the acquisition in Poland), Erste Group’s CET1 ratio stood at 19.3%. The management target for 2026 has been set at 14.25%.