Eurobank was founded in 1994 in Athens, Greece, as part of the restructuring of the banking system following economic reforms. Initially named Ευρωπαϊκή Τράπεζα (Evropaiki Trapeza) , it was established by private investors and financial groups, including Georgios Papadopoulos and Dimitrios Stratis, who recognized the need for a modern, client-oriented bank.
The goal was to create a stable financial institution capable of competing with Western European banks and supporting the economic growth of the region.
Throughout the late 1990s, Eurobank focused on building a strong retail banking network, emphasizing customer service and innovative financial products. The bank quickly gained a reputation for reliability and forward-thinking strategies.
By the early 2000s, Eurobank had expanded its footprint beyond Greece, entering neighboring Balkan markets and establishing itself as a regional powerhouse. This expansion was supported by strategic acquisitions and partnerships, enabling Eurobank to offer a diverse range of services tailored to local markets.
The 2010s brought challenges due to the European financial crisis, but Eurobank demonstrated resilience by restructuring its operations, embracing digital transformation, and focusing on sustainable growth. The bank's commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions helped it regain stability and prepare for future opportunities.
Timeline
1994
Opening of the first branch in Athens.
1996
Entry into the Athens Exchange stock market.
2000
Expansion into Bulgaria and Romania.
2007
Major acquisition of New Bank of Athens.
2013
Partial nationalization during the crisis, followed by reform.
2020
Sale of Greek retail assets to Piraeus Bank, focus on international markets.
2023
Entry into Serbia and North Macedonia as part of Western Balkans expansion strategy.
2024
Launch of new digital banking platform with AI-driven personalized services.
2025
Planned expansion into Eastern European markets with sustainable finance focus.