The SME Bank Awards 2026 recognise the banks that most contribute to the growth of SMEs through financing and financial services that strengthen businesses and help them overcome economic challenges.

Lisbon, 14 October 2025.
Santander has been distinguished, for the fifth consecutive year, as the Best Bank for SMEs in Portugal in the annual awards of the international magazine Global Finance. The award recognises the financial institutions that stand out in supporting small and medium-sized businesses worldwide.

The magazine considered the performance of banks between April 2024 and March 2025, based on their knowledge of the markets, response to the needs of SMEs, diversity and quality of financial solutions, technological innovation and strategic positioning.

This award reflects our commitment to the prosperity of our business customers. When companies grow and become more solid and competitive, the entire economy becomes stronger. Santander intends on continuing to support the Portuguese business community on this path, through innovative solutions and close support, helping each company realise its potential and grow sustainably.

Amílcar Lourenço, Executive Director of Santander Portugal

Santander combines proximity, international scale and digital innovation to offer solutions that help companies grow. With a presence in 13 strategic countries and operations in more than 40 markets, Santander's teams offer financial solutions, local knowledge and a global network that ensures agile and secure internationalisation.

Through Santander X, the Bank reinforces its commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, offering personalised support and access to training, prizes, challenges and a network of experts. The goal is to boost companies at all stages, helping entrepreneurs grow and reach new heights.

This award joins other distinctions recently received by Santander:

  • "Best Bank in Portugal 2025", by Euromoney and Global Finance   
  • "Best Retail Bank in Portugal 2025", by World Finance 
  • "Best Private Banking" in the country in 2025, by Global Finance and World Finance   
  • Top Employer 2025, for the third consecutive year, by the Top Employers Institute 
  • Best Bank to Work for in Portugal, according to the Merco Talento Universitário 2024 ranking (1st edition)

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