Social Banking

Erste Group has opened its doors to everyone more than 200 years ago – even to those, who didn’t have access to banking services before. Social Banking is deeply rooted in our history and is still an integral part of our DNA.

As one of the leading banks in Central and Eastern Europe, we see it as our purpose and responsibility to ensure everyone in our region has access to basic financial products. We support those, who are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, thereby enabling economic growth and prosperity.

According to statistics, poverty affects one in five people, totaling to 14 million individuals in Central and Eastern Europe, leading to limited access or no access at all to financial services. This often correlates with acute social challenges too, which include unemployment, inadequate care for the elderly, and lack of affordable housing.

However, with the combined efforts of ERSTE Group's local bank networks, ERSTE Foundation alongside our partners, we aim to make a difference by:

Supporting start-ups and micro businesses to create and preserve jobs
Empowering social organisations to expand their impact
Standing by people in financial difficulties to improve their housing and financial stability

We are always excited about our clients’ successes – to not only see them grow and prosper, but also make a positive impact in our region. Watch some of their personal stories here:

Since its establishment in 2016, Erste Group's Social Banking has invested about EUR 600 million in the form of loans in social development in the CEE region. In total, around 97,000 jobs have been preserved or created, mostly for people who are otherwise excluded from the labour market.

With its initiatives and projects, Social Banking also makes a valuable contribution to the fulfillment of 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the United Nations’ member states have set to be completed by 2030.

We focus on providing our clients with tailored financial products and know-how, such as financial and business education, consulting, and mentoring. In this way, we help them not only improve their current economic situation, but also build a sustainable base for making the right financial decision and thus reach financial stability in the long-term.

Supporting Entrepreneurs

We provide tailored financial products, business education, and mentoring, enabling starting entrepreneurs to secure the necessary capital and skills to kickstart and develop their businesses, creating employment opportunities and economic stability.

Microfinance

We offer working-capital and investment loans to support small entrepreneurs, including farmers and shop owners in rural areas. Through financial advisory and assessments, we help sustain and expand businesses, fostering job creation in underdeveloped regions.

Empowering
Social Organizations

Recognizing the challenges faced by social organizations, we provide bridge and investment loans, quasi-equity, and comprehensive capacity-building programs. Our goal is to facilitate their growth, expand their services, and amplify their social impact through sustainable business models and skill enhancement.

Financial Support for
Vulnerable Individuals

Addressing the issue of financial inclusion for those facing economic hardship, we offer specialised accounts, financial advisory services, and housing micro-loans. Our aim is to empower individuals to manage unexpected financial challenges and gain access to affordable housing.

CEEs Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility 2023, Euromoney award, CEE, 1^st place

Poverty, adult education & community development 2020, Sozial Marie prize for social innovation, CEE, project DOM.ov, 1^st place

Non-profit organization 2020, Roma Spirit award, project DOM.ov, Slovakia, 1^st place

Socially responsible bank of the year 2019, Mastercard award, Hungary, 3^rd place

Social Innovation & Future Challenges 2018, Trigos award, Austria, 1^st place

CEEs Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility 2018, Euromoney award, CEE, 1^st place

Best partnership with corporations 2013, Trigos award, Zweite Sparkasse, Austria, 1^st place

Following the purpose to disseminate prosperity and provide access to financial services for all, Erste Social Finance Holding was established as a joint venture of Erste Group Bank and ERSTE Foundation in 2008. As a social enterprise, Erste Social Finance aims for positive social impact and sustainable financial results. The company acts as a social finance investor and intermediary in the region of Central and Eastern Europe. Our main activities include investing into social business models, which are financially sustainable and launching innovative social finance instruments.