Euromoney recognises Santander's transformation into a simpler, stronger and more connected global bank, underpinned by record results, disciplined capital allocation and sustained investment in technology and global platforms.
Santander is also named the World's Best for Consumer Lending, Latin America's Best Retail Bank, Latin America's Best Investment Bank and Europe's Best Bank for SMEs.
The Group receives Best Bank awards in Chile, Mexico and Portugal.
Madrid, 17 July 2026.
Banco Santander has been named the World's Best Bank by Euromoney in its prestigious ‘Awards for Excellence’, recognising the Group's transformation into a simpler, stronger and more connected global bank, underpinned by record results, disciplined capital allocation and sustained investment in technology and global platforms.
The award reflects Santander's strong performance over recent years, including the successful execution of its 2023-2025 strategy, exceeding its key investor targets while delivering a fourth consecutive year of record profit. During the period, Santander increased its customer base to 180 million people worldwide. Euromoney also recognised the bank's ability to strengthen its international franchise through strategic M&A operations and highlighted Santander's continued investment in common global platforms improving customer experience, increasing scalability and reducing operating costs across markets.
Over the last decade, more than 70 million customers have chosen Santander meaning we now serve 176 million people and business. On their behalf – and on behalf of our amazing team across Europe and the Americas, who go the extra mile and do great work every day – we are proud to be recognised as the World’s Best Bank by Euromoney. This recognition reflects the progress we have made, but we know there is an even bigger opportunity ahead of us. We will work even harder to do better for our customers, our shareholders and the communities we serve every day.
Santander is also named the World's Best for Consumer Lending, recognising the scale and transformation of its consumer finance business. Euromoney highlighted Santander's leadership supported by continued growth in lending volumes, advances in risk modelling and digital loan origination, as well as its leadership in automotive finance platforms.
In addition to the two global awards, Santander received several regional recognitions, including Europe's Best Bank for SMEs, Latin America's Best Retail Bank, Latin America's Best Investment Bank and Latin America's Best Bank for ESG.
At country level, the Group receives Best Bank awards in Chile, Mexico and Portugal, Best Retail Bank in Brazil and Best Investment Bank in Spain and Portugal, among other recognitions such as Argentina's Best Bank for ESG, Argentina's Best Bank for SMEs, Argentina's Best Digital Bank for Consumers, Argentina's Best Investment Bank for Financing Solutions, Brazil's Best Bank for Sustainable Finance, Colombia's Best Investment Bank for M&A, Peru's Best Investment Bank for Financing Solutions, Portugal's Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility, Spain's Best Bank for SMEs, Spain's Best Bank for ESG, Uruguay's Best Bank for SMEs and Uruguay's Best Bank for ESG.