ABOUT US

We aim to grow into a pan-European & U.S. banking group, playing an active role in the European banking consolidation.

WHO WE ARE

In 2012, BAWAG launched its transformation and set three strategic pillars, which remained unchanged since then. At that time the foundation was laid, starting with the transformation of its own business, and then applying it to others and growing into a pan-European & U.S. banking group. Today, BAWAG operates in seven markets, serves more than 4 million customers and has €72 billion assets. .

OUR BUSINESSES

We serve more than 4 million retail, corporate, real estate and public sector customers. Approximately 90% of our business relates to Retail & SME.

OUR COUNTRIES

Today, we operate in Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

OUR HISTORY

BAWAG has a long-dated history combined with the culture focused on an owner-operator mindset, meritocracy and accountability.

STRATEGIC PILLARS

Growth in core markets focused on serving our customers

Our core markets are Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands (DACH/NL region), Western Europe and the United States
Focus on organic growth, M&A and minority investments
Invest in platforms and partnerships to drive growth across the Group
Pursue earnings-accretive M&A meeting our Group RoTCE target of at least 20%

Drive efficiency through operational excellence

Focus on the things we control through “self-help” management
Simplify, standardize and automate product and service offerings across all channels
Create simple end-to-end processing across the Group
Continuously optimize our processes, footprint and technology infrastructure
Continuous simplification of Group structure
Embrace various forms of technological change and invest judiciously in technology
Foster a meritocratic culture that promotes employees based on merit and character

Maintaining a safe and secure risk profile

Maintaining strong capital position, stable customer funding, conservative underwriting and a low risk appetite
Focus on mature, developed and sustainable markets
Applying disciplined underwriting in markets we understand with a focus on secured lending and risk-adjusted returns
Maintaining fortress balance sheet
Proactively manage and mitigate non-financial risk

OUR BUSINESSES

Retail & SME

BAWAG Group’s customer focus underpins the Retail & SME strategy by working to make the lives of our customers easier and more manageable as it relates to their financial affairs. This entails:

providing customers with an entire range of products and services when and where they want,
providing easy-to-use and easy-to-understand financial products at a fair price,
leveraging new and existing technologies to simplify processes and reduce complexity,
focusing on high-touch and high-quality advisory across a modernized branch network as well as
establishing new retail partnerships and leveraging lending platforms in acquiring new customers.

Corporates, Real Estate & Public Sector

The Corporates, Real Estate & Public Sector segment focuses on domestic and international lending, deposits and payment services. Across the segment, we focus on risk-adjusted returns and conservative underwriting.

Our regional focus in the Corporates and Real Estate business is on the Austrian and German market as well as developed and mature markets in Western Europe and the United States. We primarily target senior secured lending to strong sponsors on cash flow generating companies and assets.

In the Public Sector business, our focus is on sovereigns, federal state, municipalities and public sector entities in Austria, Germany and Western Europe.

OUR CULTURE

WE ACT AS OWNERS & ARE ACCOUNTABLE

At BAWAG, our management and employees are not just contributors—they are owners. This shared commitment unites us around a common goal: building a sustainable, long-term, and profitable business model. Management incentives are directly tied to both financial performance and sustainability targets, reinforcing accountability and responsible growth. Our focus remains on creating long-term franchise value, ensuring that every decision we make strengthens our business and delivers lasting benefits for all stakeholders, as we are here for the long-run.

WE ARE DIVERSE & MERIT-BASED

We all have different backgrounds, but have one common goal – we aim to improve BAWAG year over year to meet evolving customer needs and make sure we are ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

Meritocracy is more than a principle—it’s how we operate. We believe that integrity, character, and work ethic are the true drivers of success. Titles and positions matter less than the value each individual brings to our company. By recognizing performance and fostering accountability, we create an environment where talent thrives and opportunities are earned. This commitment ensures that every decision reflects fairness, transparency, and respect.

WE EMBRACE CHANGE & DO NOT AVOID CHALLENGES

Change is the only constant. At BAWAG, we thrive in an environment where adaptability is key., be it due to challenging the status quo or due to acquisitions. Change isn’t something we fear—it’s something we embrace. We value leaders who are forward-thinking, and resilient, ready to turn challenges into opportunities and lead with purpose through transformations, while not shying away from taking tough decisions.

WE EMBRACE AN EXTERNAL MINDSET

At BAWAG, simplicity and continuous improvement are part of our DNA. We believe in fostering a “One Group” approach, breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across hierarchies. By streamlining decision-making and eliminating inefficiencies, we create an organization that moves with clarity and purpose.