Eurobank Archive

The Story of a Dream: The Birth of Eurobank

In the heart of Europe, at the crossroads of cultures and economies, a bank emerged that changed the financial map of the region — Eurobank.

From Idea to Institution: The 1990s and the Birth of a New Bank

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.

1994: Eleftheriou Street, Athens — The Cradle of Eurobank

Address: 123 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue, Athens, Greece.
Opening Date: March 15, 1994.
Opened by Georgios Papadopoulos, the first Chairman of the Board.

“We were not just opening a bank — we were opening a new era of trust in finance in Greece.”
— G. Papadopoulos, 1994
Photograph of the Eurobank first branch building located at 123 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue, Athens, Greece, taken in 1994 showing a classic bank facade with people entering
Archive photo showing Eurobank staff members standing in front of the first branch in Athens in 1994, dressed in formal business attire Archive photo showing a queue of customers waiting outside the Eurobank first branch on opening day, March 15, 1994, in Athens Photograph of Georgios Papadopoulos, first Chairman of Eurobank, at the opening ceremony of the first branch in Athens, 1994

Pioneers of Digital Solutions in Southeast Europe

Evolution of Digital Banking at Eurobank

Infographic showing the evolution of digital banking at Eurobank from 2001 to 2024, highlighting key milestones and innovations

From Individuals to Transnational Business

Eurobank offers a comprehensive suite of financial services designed to meet the needs of diverse clients, from individual customers to multinational corporations. The bank's commitment to innovation and personalized service ensures that clients receive tailored solutions that drive growth and financial security.

Retail Sector

  • Current and savings accounts with competitive interest rates
  • Credit and debit cards with worldwide acceptance and rewards
  • Consumer and mortgage loans with flexible repayment options
  • Insurance and pension products tailored to individual needs
  • Personalized financial planning and advisory services

Corporate Sector

  • Business accounts and treasury management solutions
  • Trade finance and export-import services
  • Investment banking and capital markets advisory
  • M&A financing and corporate restructuring support
  • Cash flow optimization and risk management tools

Investments & Asset Management

  • Wealth management and portfolio diversification
  • Funds and ETFs with regional and global exposure
  • Inheritance and wealth advisory services
  • Retirement planning and tax-efficient investment strategies

Digital Solutions

  • Mobile application with 24/7 account access and payments
  • Online stock trading platform with real-time analytics
  • Crypto services (pilot in Serbia) with secure wallets
  • AI-driven financial advice and chat support
  • Open Banking API for fintech integration and innovation

Network of Trust: 14 Countries, 300+ Branches

Interactive World Map

Interactive world map showing Eurobank's presence in 14 countries with color-coded markers indicating number of branches and year of market entry
Greece: 180 branches, market entry 1994
Bulgaria: 55 branches, market entry 2000
Romania: 40 branches, market entry 2000
Serbia: 25 branches, market entry 2023

* Hover or focus on markers to see branch count, year of entry, and key offices.

Countries & Branches

  • Greece: 180 branches
  • Bulgaria: 55 branches
  • Romania: 40 branches
  • Serbia: 25 branches
  • Cyprus: 15 branches
  • Luxembourg: 1 offshore center
  • United Kingdom: London representation
  • Poland, Czech Republic, Croatia, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro — partner offices or digital services
Facade of Eurobank main office building in Athens, Greece, modern glass and stone architecture Facade of Eurobank branch office in Sofia, Bulgaria, showing a modern bank entrance with Eurobank signage Facade of Eurobank branch office in Bucharest, Romania, with a classic bank building style and Eurobank logo Facade of Eurobank branch office in Belgrade, Serbia, modern building with Eurobank branding

Eurobank 2030: Digital, Sustainable, Client-Centric

“We are building not just a bank — we are building the ecosystem of the future.”
— Fokas Prodromidis, CEO, 2024

In Focus: Eurobank in Context

Archive and Resources for Researchers

Follow the Story in Real Time

About the Author & Sources

Portrait photo of Dr. Elena Papadakis, author of the Eurobank historical research article, wearing academic attire

Dr. Elena Papadakis

Senior Lecturer in Finance

Athens University of Economics and Business

elena.papadakis@aueb.gr