VIENNA (AUSTRIA) (ITALPRESS) – “The Eastern and Central European banks are demonstrating a resilient and high-quality performance, supported by dynamic economies with solid growth fundamentals and a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. The highest growth potential compared to the Eurozone, combined with timely and decisive monetary policies, supported robust returns and efficient operational models.” Paola Papanicolau, Head of International Banks Division of Intesa Sanpaolo, said this during the Central and Eastern European Forum 2026 in Vienna.
“Looking at the future, sustainable banking performance in the region are increasingly driven by structural growth factors rather than by interest rates alone. Digitalization, innovation and advanced consultancy models are acting as powerful accelerators of economic development, especially in companies with a young and native digital population that is shaping new models of consumption, savings and investment – he continues. In Central and Eastern Europe, digitization has far exceeded its traditional role as an IT facilitator. Now it is a fundamental growth engine, which allows revenues to expand faster than costs and banks to approach younger generations with simple, fast and inclusive digital services – from daily banking operations to long-term financial planning. The so-called advantage of the region’s retardants has resulted in rapid adoption, overcoming legacy systems and promoting innovation-friendly environments that support productivity, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.”.
“In this context, Intesa Sanpaolo stands out for its ability to combine industrial dimensions and technological leadership. With more than 800 innovation projects and more than 5 billion euros invested in technology under the Industrial Plan 2022-2025, the Group has succeeded in transforming digitalization from a sustainable engine cost lever of growth, favoring development on all segments of customers and in all geographical areas – said Papanicolau -. The integrated model of Wealth Management, Asset Management and Bancassurance by Intesa Sanpaolo, supported by an advanced digital infrastructure and highly reliable consultancy, is particularly well positioned to meet the changing needs of Eastern and Central European companies, where the increase in incomes, demographic changes and growth of the middle class are stimulating demand for protection, security and long-term savings, especially among younger families. At the same time, the Group is investing in new-generation consulting platforms for SMEs, exploiting the know-how developed in Italy to support international expansion, innovation and competitiveness in local markets. For large companies and customers High Net Worth, Intesa Sanpaolo offers first-class investment banking, structured finance and Private Banking solutions, ensuring a constant standard of excellence in all Eastern and Central Europe countries, in line with the Group’s Italian franchise.”.
-Photos press office Intesa Sanpaolo-
(ITALPRESS).
