Warsaw – A major shift is underway in Poland’s banking landscape as Santander Bank Polska prepares to rebrand as Erste Bank Polska in the second quarter of 2026. The change follows Austria’s Erste Group‘s planned acquisition of Santander Bank polska,a deal expected to close around mid-January 2026 and pending shareholder approval on january 22nd. This move signals continued consolidation within the Polish financial sector and promises to bring new technological resources to the bank’s corporate clients.
Santander Bank Polska will rebrand as Erste Bank Polska, with the change slated for the second quarter of 2026. The move is contingent upon approval from an Extraordinary General Meeting and the necessary filings with the National Court Register.
The name change directly follows the planned acquisition by Erste Group, which is expected to be finalized around mid-January 2026. Upon completion of the acquisition, the bank will gain access to the new owner’s extensive experience and technology.
Erste Group’s international reach will enable corporate clients of Santander Bank Polska – and, from 2026, Erste Bank Polska – to expand their investments and presence in Central and Eastern European markets. The bank assures customers that existing contracts, account numbers, and contact details will remain unchanged.
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Shareholders will also vote on new supervisory board members at the upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting on January 22, 2026. Proposed candidates include Peter Bosek, Alexandra Habeler–Drabek, Stefan Dörfler, and Maurizio Poletto.
The rebranding and new logo are a direct result of the planned ownership change. Erste Group anticipates the closing of the Santander Bank Polska acquisition around mid-January 2026.
Warsaw – Santander Bank Polska is preparing for a significant shift in identity, announcing plans to operate as Erste Bank Polska beginning in the second quarter of 2026. The change reflects the ongoing acquisition by Austria’s Erste Group, a move that signals increased consolidation within the Polish banking sector.
According to a company statement, the rebranding is subject to shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for January 22, 2026, and subsequent registration with the National Court Register. The transition will extend to all entities within the Santander group operating in Poland.
The acquisition by Erste Group, expected to be completed around mid-January 2026, will provide Santander Bank Polska with access to a broader range of financial technologies and expertise. This integration is intended to bolster the bank’s capabilities in serving corporate clients, particularly in expanding their investments across Central and Eastern European markets, the company said.
Despite the change in branding, Erste Bank Polska has emphasized that customer accounts, contracts, and contact information will remain unaffected. The bank is working to ensure a seamless transition for its client base.
Shareholders will also be asked to approve the appointment of four new members to the supervisory board: Peter Bosek, Alexandra Habeler–Drabek, Stefan Dörfler, and Maurizio Poletto. These appointments are part of the broader restructuring associated with the acquisition.
Erste Group expects to finalize the acquisition of Santander Bank Polska around mid-January 2026, marking a significant expansion of its footprint in the Polish financial market. The move underscores the growing interest of international financial institutions in the region.
