Banc Sabadell

Banco de Sabadell, S.A. () is a Spanish multinational financial services company headquartered in Sabadell, Catalonia. It is the 4th-largest Spanish banking group. It includes several banks, brands, subsidiaries and associated banks. It is a universal bank and specialises in serving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the affluent with a bias towards international trade.

As of March 2022, the total assets of Banco Sabadell Group amounted to €253,256 billion. It has a network of 1,594 branches, 18,985 employees and 12.1 million customers.

Since 2001, it is floated on the Bolsa de Madrid and is part of the IBEX 35.

Banco Sabadell has been designated as a Significant Institution since the entry into force of European Banking Supervision in late 2014, and as a consequence is directly supervised by the European Central Bank.

Strategic plan

In February 2014, Banco Sabadell started its 2014–2016 business plan, Triple, that aims to leverage its new size and margin-generating capability. The main goal of the 2014–2016 Triple Plan is profitability. Key themes of the new plan are transformation (transformation of the business, transformation of the production process and transformation of the balance sheet) and internationalization (laying the foundations for becoming more international in terms of structure and resources and entering new markets).

History

At the end of the ''19th century'', the city of ''Sabadell'' was known as a bustling "factory city" with approximately 18,000 residents, 4,000 of whom were employed in the ''wool industry''. Together with the nearby city of ''Terrassa'', Sabadell accounted for 66% of Spain’s wool production. Mechanization processes, introduced from 1875 onwards, led to significant productivity increases—doubling output in some steam-powered factories. This newfound efficiency enabled local industrialists to accumulate capital, leading some to begin informally lending money among themselves.

Over time, these industrialists specialized in financial operations, but no institution offered the long-term credit necessary for purchasing raw materials, such as wool imported from ''Argentina'' or ''Australia''. This unmet need spurred the idea of creating a bank tailored to the needs of local manufacturers. The goal was to establish an institution that could facilitate payments at the local level, provide short-term credit, and support investments in international raw materials.

Although Sabadell already had a savings institution ('' Caixa d'Estalvis de Sabadell''), founded in 1859, it focused exclusively on promoting small-scale savings and could not handle the complex financial operations required by industrialists.

On December 31, 1881, a group of 127 entrepreneurs and merchants from Sabadell, led by the '' Gremi de Fabricants de Sabadell'' (Manufacturers' Guild), founded Banco Sabadell. Its purpose was to finance local industry and supply raw materials—such as wool and coal—on more favorable terms. The bank’s initial share capital was set at 10 million pesetas, contributed by 127 shareholders, the majority from Sabadell, with a handful from ''Barcelona'' and one from ''Barberà del Vallès''.

The bank’s first office was located in the ground floor of the guild’s building. In addition to traditional banking, Banco Sabadell initially engaged in other business activities, including buying and selling raw materials, importing machinery, and establishing electrical installations. This phase lasted until 1907, when the bank decided to divest its non-banking activities and focus solely on commercial banking operations.

Mid-20th Century: Growth and Modernization

In 1953, Banco Sabadell’s shareholders signed a syndication agreement to ensure the bank's independence, limiting individual shareholdings to 0.7% of the total capital. This move protected the institution from potential takeovers. A year later, in 1954, the bank opened its first purpose-built branch in ''Plaça de Sant Roc'' in Sabadell, strategically located between the city hall and the former ''Ateneu Sabadellenc''. The branch’s iconic building was designed by renowned architect ''Lluís Bonet i Garí''.

During the 1960s, Banco Sabadell began expanding its presence to nearby towns. Its first branch outside Sabadell opened in ''Sant Cugat del Vallès'' in 1965, followed shortly by branches in ''Cerdanyola del Vallès'', '' Ripollet'', and '' Castellar del Vallès''. By 1970, the bank had established itself in ''Barcelona'', marking a significant step in its territorial expansion.

National and International Expansion

In 1977, Banco Sabadell opened its first branch outside Catalonia and began its expansion to the rest of the communities in Spain, starting in ''Madrid'', followed by its first international branch in ''London'' in 1978, strategically located in the heart of the ''City of London''. By 1987, the bank had expanded further internationally, opening a branch in ''Paris''.

Banco Sabadell became a pioneer in Spain’s banking sector by embracing technological innovation. In 1986, it launched '' Fonobanc'', a telephone banking service, followed in 1988 by '' Infobanc'', a computer-based banking platform. These initiatives set the stage for the introduction of '' BancSabadellNet'' in 1998, Spain’s first online banking service.

In 2023, Banco Sabadell consolidated its digital operations under a new subsidiary, '' Sabadell Digital''. This subsidiary was tasked with overseeing app development, software innovation, and cybersecurity, marking a major step in the bank’s commitment to digital transformation.

Stock Market Debut and Strategic Acquisitions

Banco Sabadell underwent significant changes starting in 1996. Under the leadership of '' Josep Oliu i Creus'', who became chairman in 1999, the bank began an aggressive expansion strategy. It entered the ''IBEX 35'' in 2004, shortly after its initial public offering in 2001.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Banco Sabadell acquired numerous institutions, including ''NatWest España'' (1996), ''Banco Atlántico'' (2004), and '' Banco Urquijo'' (2006). Notably, it acquired ''Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo'' (CAM) in 2012 for the symbolic price of one euro, integrating its network into the Sabadell group.

These acquisitions allowed Banco Sabadell to extend its reach internationally, particularly in the ''United States'' and ''Mexico''. In 2015, the bank acquired '' TSB Banking Group'' in the UK, further solidifying its position in global markets.

Challenges and Resilience

The political turmoil in Catalonia during the '' 2017 independence referendum'' led Banco Sabadell to relocate its corporate headquarters to ''Alicante (in Valencia,'' another autonomous communitie of Spain on October 5, 2017, citing the need to ensure the stability of deposits and customer confidence. The move was facilitated by a Spanish government decree allowing expedited relocations. Despite this, the bank faced criticism and deposit withdrawals from some quarters. In 2025 they decide to return to the original city in Sabadell Catalonia

Banco Sabadell was not immune to the financial impacts of the ''COVID-19 pandemic''. Its stock price dropped significantly but recovered strongly in subsequent years. By November 2023, its stock had risen to €1.30 per share, making it one of the fastest-recovering companies on the IBEX 35.

In 2024, Banco Sabadell rejected a hostile takeover bid from ''BBVA'', reaffirming its independence and strategic direction.

Legacy and Current Status

Banco Sabadell remains a key player in Spain’s banking sector and has continued its growth and strategic focus into 2023. The bank manages assets valued at approximately €235 billion, marking a 6.4% decrease year-over-year due to repayments on TLTRO III loans. It employs over 21,000 people globally and operates through around 1,600 branches, emphasizing digital transformation and cost efficiency.

In 2023, customer funds reached €201 billion, with €56.6 billion allocated to savings and investment products in Spain. The bank's liquidity remains robust, with a Loan-to-Deposit ratio of 94% and a Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 228%. Additionally, the non-performing asset (NPA) ratio improved, demonstrating solid risk management practices. The fully loaded CET1 capital ratio rose to 13.21%, reflecting a strengthened financial position.

Timeline

*1881: Founded in Sabadell, province of Barcelona, on 31 December 1881.
*1965: Territorial expansion.
*1978: London, first branch of the international network.
*1986: Remote banking.
*1987: International branch in Paris.
*1988: Created Sabadell Banca Privada.
*1996: Acquired Banco NatWest España: Solbank project.
*2000: Acquired Banco Herrero.
*2001: Floated on the stock market.
*2002–2004: Introduced multi-brand strategy.
*2004: Acquired Banco Atlántico.
*2004: Included in IBEX 35.
*2006: Acquired Banco Urquijo.
*2007: Acquired TransAtlantic Bank, Miami.
*2008: Zurich, new Bancassurance partner.
*2009: Acquired Mellon United National Bank (Miami).
*2010: Founded Sabadell United Bank.
*2010: Acquired Banco Guipuzcoano.
*2010: New plan CREA 2010–2013.
*2011: Launched SabadellGuipuzcoano brand.
*2011: Acquired Lydian Private Bank (Miami).
*2011: Selected as winning bidder for Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo (CAM).
*2012: Acquired Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo (CAM).
*2012: Banco Sabadell Urquijo BP creation.
*2013: Acquired Banco Gallego and Lloyds Banking Group's retail and private banking business and the local investment management business in Spain, Lloyds Bank International. Lloyds is selling its loss-making Spanish operations for a 1.8% stake in Sabadell, worth about €84 million, plus an additional sum of up to €20 million euros over the next five years.
*2014: Acquired JGB Bank (Miami).
*2014: Banco Sabadell starts independent operation in Mexico.
*2014: Triple announced.
*2015: Acquired TSB, a retail bank based in the United Kingdom.

Brands

*SabadellAtlántico: The group's primary brand in the Spanish market. It operates throughout Spain except in SabadellGuipuzcoano and Banco Herrero territories. It focuses on commercial banking for individuals and companies.
*SabadellGuipuzcoano: Formerly Banco Guipuzcoano. It is the group's brand in Navarre, La Rioja and the Basque Country. It focuses on commercial and corporate banking.
*Banco Herrero: The bank's only brand in Asturias and León. following the acquisition of Banco Herrero. It focuses on commercial banking for individuals and companies. It is the top banking network in Asturias and one of the leading networks in León.
* Sabadell Solbank: It focuses on commercial Banking for Europeans living in Spanish tourist areas. Branches in Mediterranean coastal areas and Spanish Islands. Lloyds Bank International was its trading name, owned by Banco Sabadell. The bank was established as Banco Halifax in 1993, as the Spanish subsidiary of Halifax. Banco Halifax became part of Lloyds Banking Group in 2009 and was renamed Lloyds Bank International. Lloyds Banking Group sold it in April 2013. The Lloyds Bank name was used under temporary licence. The bank was renamed Sabadell Solbank in November 2013, and was fully integrated into Sabadell on 15 March 2014.
*ActivoBank: It focuses on clients operating exclusively electronically (internet and telephone).
*SabadellUrquijo: Private banking unit, a merger of Sabadell Banca Privada and Banco Urquijo. Branches in main economic and wealth hotspots.
*SabadellGallego: It is the group's reference brand in Galicia, following the acquisition of Banco Gallego. It focuses on commercial and corporate banking.
*SabadellCAM: It is the group's reference brand in the Valencian Community and Murcia, following the Banco CAM acquisition. It focuses on commercial banking.

Subsidiaries

*Banco Sabadell de Andorra: It is an entity established in the Principality of Andorra. Banco Sabadell has an ownership of 50.97% of the bank's capital. It focuses on affluent individuals and to the main companies in the Principality of Andorra.
*BanSabadell Fincom: It focuses on consumer finance. 100% owned by Banco Sabadell.
*Dexia Sabadell: Subsidiary specialising in funding local government. Banco Sabadell (30%) and Dexia Group (70%).
* Sabadell United Bank: Commercial banking brand in the United States. Resulted from the acquisition of Mellon United National Bank in south Florida (15 January 2010) and the integration of TransAtlantic Bank (9 August 2010), acquired in 2007, Lydian Private Bank (2011) and JGB Bank (2014). SUB branches were sold off to Iberiabank in the fall of 2017.
*Solvia: It focuses on real estate. It has concentrated its servicing capabilities.
* TSB Bank: Retail bank based in the United Kingdom. Acquired by Banco Sabadell in July 2015.

Branch network

At the end of the year 2014, Banco Sabadell operated through 2,310 branches and had 17,529 employees.

Banco Sabadell 53 international branches and representative offices in Algiers, Peking, Caracas, Dubai, Istanbul, Mexico City, New York, New Delhi, Santo Domingo, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Warsaw.

Banco Sabadell has subsidiaries and associated Banks in Andorra, United States, Portugal, United Kingdom; and branches in London, Miami, Paris, Hendaye.

Board of directors

The members of the Board of Directors of Banco Sabadell are:

* To be ratified at the next shareholders' meeting

Shareholder structure

See also

* List of banks in Spain

References

External links

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{{Authority control

1881 establishments in Spain
Banks established in 1881
Banks of Spain
Companies listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange
IBEX 35
Sabadell
Banks under direct supervision of the European Central Bank