How Erste Bank has reshaped the banking landscape in Serbia
CORPORATE
Twenty years of operations is more than a number on paper – it is a sequence of shared steps, challenges, changes and achievements that have shaped the journey of a bank and its clients. From its very first day in Serbia until today, Erste Bank has grown alongside people, communities and businesses across the country. This anniversary is not only an important milestone, but also a reminder of how much can be achieved with consistency, trust and commitment – even in times of constant change.
Since 2005, when it inherited the legacy and tradition of Novosadska Banka, Erste Bank has grown steadily – not only in terms of balance sheets, but also in the significance it holds for its clients. Today, the bank supports almost 500,000 individuals, entrepreneurs and companies. And in that support, it is not percentages or figures that matter most, but the fact that the bank was there when someone needed their first home, their first capital, advice on saving or a stable partner for business development. Many of these partnerships continue to this day.
Digital transformation has brought new expectations, but also new opportunities – 105 million electronic transactions, over one billion euros in card payments and more than 70 million ATM withdrawals reflect not only technological progress, but also an adaptation to people’s real needs. In times of rapid change, reliability and accessibility remain Erste Bank’s core values.
From local heritage to national leader – Erste Bank marks 20 years of operations in Serbia, driven by development, innovation and strong social commitment
Erste Bank has devoted particular attention to small businesses. Over the past ten years, micro-enterprises have doubled their presence in the bank’s portfolio. More than 80 million euros in loans and steady growth in savings show that entrepreneurs see Erste not only as a bank, but also as an ally in everyday challenges. Thanks to both financial and advisory support, thousands of ideas have been transformed into sustainable, local success stories. Since 2017, through the Social Banking programme, more than 600 small businesses and 38 non-profit organisations have been given the opportunity to take their first step. The result? Most users have increased their revenues, and almost half have created new jobs.
In the field of green finance, Erste is one of the market leaders. With around 400 million euros invested in more than 80 renewable energy projects, the bank has contributed to financing nearly 800 MW of green energy – representing more than two-thirds of newly built RES capacities in Serbia. Green development is no longer merely an option – it is an obligation, and Erste was among the first to recognise this direction.
There is also a pioneering initiative – a loan for residential communities which, in its very first example, enabled the energy renovation of three buildings in Svilajnac, resulting in a CO₂ emission reduction of more than 55%. Small changes, when supported in the right way, can make a significant difference.
Social responsibility is not something done “on the side”. It is part of the bank’s identity – whether through volunteering activities, more than 1,200 projects in culture, the arts and sustainable development, or through continuous financial education. Among other things, the digital game “Guardians of the Dragon’s Treasure”, designed to teach children the basics of financial literacy, has been downloaded more than 15,000 times – because important lessons can be learned through play as well. Altogether, Erste Bank’s investments in sponsorships and donations over two decades in Serbia have exceeded 5.3 million euros.
Behind all of this stand people – employees who combine expertise, empathy and responsibility every day. Many of them have been with the bank since the very beginning, and more than 25 per cent actively participate in volunteering efforts. Their stories reflect the values that define Erste: trust, stability and humanity.
Today, with 88 branches and four commercial centres, Erste Bank remains present where it matters most – alongside people. Twenty years of existence is an important moment, but also a new starting point. Because what truly lasts are not just the results, but the trust built over many years – a trust that will guide the bank towards success in the next 20 years, with the same mission: to be a reliable partner through all stages of life – from a first savings account to a first loan, supporting every small and big plan that changes a life.