Erste Group recognized as “Best Private Bank” in CEE and four markets in region

Erste Private Banking has recently received a total of seven “Best Private Bank” awards from the highly regarded publications PWM/The Banker and Global Finance. PWM/The Banker recognized Erste as being the best private bank in the CEE region, as well as at a national level in both Austria and Romania. In its awards program, Global Finance honored Erste as the best private bank for sustainable investing in CEE and additionally selected Erste Private Banking for its national awards for Czechia, Romania, and Croatia.

“Across Central and Eastern Europe, we’ve translated strategy into impact by delivering client-centric solutions, expanding digital access, and deepening client relationships. What sets us apart is our ability to combine regional strength with foresights and values. From sustainable investing to tailored solutions across markets, we’ve built a Private Banking experience that’s engaging, relevant, and responsible. It’s a journey we’re undertaking together—with our clients, our teams, and our shared ambition to stay the most chosen Private Banking and Wealth Management franchise in CEE,” says Rainer Hauser, Head of Group Private Banking & Wealth Management at Erste Group.

CEE: “Best Private Bank” (PWM/The Banker) and “Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing” (Global Finance)

This year marks the twelfth year in a row that PWM/The Banker has selected Erste Group as the "Best Private Bank in Central and Eastern Europe". In addition, the peer publication Global Finance chose Erste Private Banking as the “Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in CEE” in its 2026 awards program.

Erste Group provides private banking services to private clients in Austria and the CEE region, where its local private banking units operate in Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. In these markets, Erste Private Banking offers a full range of wealth management services to nearly 24,000 private clients with total assets under management of 34.5 billion euros.

Over the past twelve months, Erste Private Banking reinforced its commitment to highly individualized discretionary portfolio management, building on a modular DPM framework already established across core markets. The backend architecture was enhanced to deliver greater efficiency and scalability, positioning this upgrade as a strategic priority for group-wide implementation. Managed solutions continued to outperform overall asset growth, highlighting the relevance of this offering for its clients. Digital innovation remained central for Erste Group’s private banking unit, with exclusive card benefits and enriched features in George elevating the private banking experience for its clients. In addition, Erste Private Banking recently strengthened its service offering in Austria to clients across multiple jurisdictions. Finally, a group-wide Chief Investment Office was established to harmonize investment views and execution - leveraging all research capabilities of Erste Group from investment banking to asset management.

Austria: “Best Private Bank” (PWM/The Banker)

Recognized by PWM/The Banker as the best private bank in Austria for the tenth consecutive time, Erste Group’s private banking offering in the country stands out on the basis of its advice and services for high net worth (HNW) individuals. In addition, Erste Private Banking is also the market leader in Austria in the investment fund business. In Austria, Erste Private Banking services around 7,000 customers and manages close to 51 billion euros in total assets, including its institutional business.

“Private Banking is not just about managing wealth, it’s about earning trust, year after year. In Austria, we’ve continued to grow by staying true to what matters: foresight, precision, and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. Whether it’s preparing for succession or navigating liquidity events, our strength lies in being a reliable partner across generations,” says Roland Jacubetz, Head of Erste Private Banking & Wealth Management in Austria.

Czechia: “Best Private Bank” (Global Finance)

Erste Private Banking in Czechia, which has won the Global Finance distinction for the third consecutive time, has been servicing well-to-do clients within the Česká spořitelna financial group since 2007. With private bankers active in branches in Prague, Brno, České Budějovice, Hradec Králové, Pardubice, Liberec, Plzeň, Olomouc, Ostrava, Ústí nad Labem and Zlín, Erste Private Banking in Czechia has over 7,000 high net worth clients and more than 7.6 billion euros in assets under management.

“This prestigious award confirms our long-term strategy focused on an individual approach, top-quality advice, and discreet asset management. We are delighted that our approach and values resonate with the needs of the most demanding clientele. We are proud that our clients see us as a trusted partner who helps them protect and grow their wealth across generations,” says Tomas Petr, Director of Erste Private Banking in the Czech Republic.

Romania: “Best Private Bank” (both PWM/The Banker and Global Finance)

Erste Private Banking has been offered by Banca Comercială Română (BCR), Erste Group’s local subsidiary, since 2010. Erste Private Banking in Romania, which has won the PWM/The Banker title for a third consecutive time and the Global Finance award for the sixth consecutive time, covers all regions across the country, with a strong presence in Bucharest and in five other leading cities: Cluj, Timisoara, Brasov, Iasi and Constanta. Erste Private Banking Romania provides its services and products to around 3,700 UHNW and HNW clients, with total assets under management of around 2.8 billion euros.

“Being recognized for the third consecutive time by PWM/The Banker and by Global Finance for the sixth consecutive time are moments of joy and fulfillment for our team! Private Banking is about our clients, who trust us with their plans and their legacy. And it’s about our team, which combines passion with commitment and drive in the results,” says Ava Beznoska, Head of Erste Private Banking Romania.

Croatia: “Best Private Bank” (Global Finance)

Erste Private Banking has also been operating in Croatia since 2007 and has offices in Zagreb, Rijeka, and Split. Serving more than 1,000 clients and managing over 1 billion euros in assets under management, Erste Private Banking Croatia has once again been recognized as the Best Private Bank in Croatia — earning this prestigious title for the sixth year in a row.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award for our private banking service. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence, personalized client care, and innovation in wealth management. We would like to thank our clients for their trust and loyalty, as well as our dedicated team, whose expertise and passion make achievements like this possible,” says Kristina Buconjić, Head of private banking in Croatia.