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, Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States.
Focus on organic growth and M&A
Investing in platforms and partnerships to drive growth across the Group
Pursuing earnings-accretive M&A meeting our Group RoTCE target of > 20%

Drive efficiency through operational excellence

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

OUR BUSINESSES

Retail & SME

The Retail & SME business forms the foundation of our bank, accounting for 85% of core revenues and serving as the focal point for future growth initiatives. Our strategy aims to provide simple and intuitive banking solutions through a digital-first model complemented by an advisory-focused branch network.

BAWAG Group has evolved over the past years from a leading Retail & SME financial provider in Austria into a pan-European & U.S. banking group. Our growth has been driven by both expanding our digital capabilities and entering new geographic markets. We operate with a multi-brand and multi-channel approach, tailored to the geography, product offering and market segment.

We continue to invest in new tools and processes to ensure consistent customer experiences and establish a scalable, efficient foundation by leveraging the strengths of our various channels to improve overall sales and service.

Corporates, Real Estate & Public Sector

The Corporates, Real Estate & Public Sector business complements our Retail & SME franchise by serving larger clients across the core countries with lending, deposit and payment solutions, thereby strengthening the Group’s diversified business model. The strategy of this segment is anchored in disciplined risk management, prioritizing risk adjusted returns over volume-driven growth and maintaining conservative underwriting standards.

In the Corporates and Real Estate business, we primarily focus on senior secured lending to strong sponsors, targeting cash flow-generating companies and high-quality assets. Within the Public Sector business, BAWAG aims to maintain its leading position in Austria while complementing its footprint in Germany and other Western European countries.

Our strategy is focused on delivering exceptional service to our clients, expanding our payments and cash management franchise, and pursuing selective tenders and cross-selling opportunities with existing borrowers.

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.