The Banker: OTP banka d.d. is the Bank of the Year 2021 in Croatia

The most prestigious financial magazine The Banker selected OTP banka d.d. as the Bank of the Year in Croatia in 2021.  OTP Bank in Hungary won the title in the same category. OTP Group is the regional champion of Central and Eastern Europe, , due to its advanced activities and the energetic expansion throughout the whole region.

The Banker magazine, whose 95-year tradition guarantees a critical and comprehensive review of business results, progress, but also the overall activities of financial institutions in the area in which they operate, gave the greatest recognition to OTP banka d.d. for business, customer relations, but also a contribution to social events in general, naming it the Bank of the Year in Croatia in 2021. „In Croatia’s highly dynamic banking market, OTP bank stands out from the competition based on its commitment to innovation and customer service, as well as its commendable efforts in supporting the country's economy through the difficulties of 2020. Not only did Croatia endure the social and economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it was also hit by two powerful earthquakes. In this challenging environment, the bank provided a high degree of support to both its customers and society at large. This included donations to 10 hospitals worth a total of €670,000, while the lender also launched a programme called Round-up, in partnership with Mastercard, to contribute to improved healthcare for Croatian children around the country.“ quotes a review by The Banker magazine.

President of the Management Board of OTP banka d.d. Balázs Békeffy emphasized: “This is a recognition for the effort, work and dedication of each of our almost 2,500 colleagues who have achieved significant business results, increased market shares, while managing to respond to customer and market needs in extremely demanding business conditions. I thank each of them, and we intend to keep the focus on exploiting new market potential, dedicated to the advancement of  the digitalisation of our services, both in transactional and lending. As acommitted to sustainability, the environmental, social and governance integration will remain among the bank management's priority objectives. This will create the opportunity to develop new projects and services, which already include the transition to 100% renewable energy and the initiative to become a plastic-free bank.“

In addition to the recognition of the parent bank OTP Bank Hungary, which was also awarded the title of Bank of the Year for Hungary, the selection of the OTP Group for the Bank of the Year in the entire Central and Eastern Europe region is particularly important. László Wolf, Deputy CEO of Commercial Banking Division said: „We strongly believe that the CEE region’s convergence story is set to continue, and we are fully committed to maintain our contribution to this development. Having our headquarters and entire operation in Central and Eastern Europe, we have accumulated vast experience and in-depth knowledge of our markets. An optimal blend of local and central solutions as well as a tailor-made mix of digital and brick-and-mortar banking services are certainly unique and hard to replicate competitive advantages of OTP Group.“

„The support of OTP Group with a unique business experience in the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe in combination with our local experience and knowledge in Croatia allows us both successful business results and exceptional commitment to the society in which we operate by placing the needs of our clients at the center of our interests and our activities while remaining a business entity dedicated to the sustainability of business, both us and our clients. ”concluded Balázs Békeffy.