Our history

More than 75-year-old roots

The predecessor of OTP Bank, the National Savings Bank, was established in 1949 in Hungary. Since 1989, the bank has operated as a multi-functional commercial bank, and in 1990 the National Savings Bank became a public company and changed its name to OTP Bank. Mr. Sándor Csányi has been the Chairman since 1992. He is the longest-serving chairman in the European banking sector.

Privatisation nearly 30 years ago, diversified ownership structure

OTP Bank’s privatisation began in 1995, and the bank is currently characterised by dispersed ownership of mostly private and institutional (financial) investors. In the 90s OTP built the foundations of a modern banking infrastructure, while keeping its leading position and experiencing exceptional growth in Hungary.

International expansion since the early 2000s

In 2001, after the realisation of its own privatisation process, OTP Bank, as the only bank in the region, started its international expansion – targeting countries in the CEE region, which offer great economic growth potentials similar to Hungary.

As the most active consolidator in the banking sector of the CEE region, the Group has successfully acquired and integrated 25 banks since the early 2000s, becoming a key player in the region.

Entering Uzbekistan as the first Central Asian banking market opens a new chapter in OTP Group’s history. The reforms commenced in Uzbekistan offer an excellent opportunity for OTP Group to contribute to the dynamic development of the Bank and the Uzbek economy, through an extended network of branches and high-quality digital services.

Our ambitions aim higher: we are building the next 75 years

The strategic goal of OTP Group is to become the most successful universal banking group in Central and Eastern Europe. We believe in the future of the region and will actively contribute to its development.

Our expansion strategy combines organic growth and strategic acquisitions that allow OTP Group to achieve optimal operational size everywhere the Group is present.

Therefore, OTP Group is constantly looking for growth opportunities through further acquisitions, aiming at market leadership in each country it enters.

Check out the timeline to find out more about OTP Group's history. See below: