15. Banco Santander (Santander Group), SA, Spain

Banco Santander also known as the Santander Group is a Spanish banking company founded in Santander, Spain by Isabelle II of Spain. Its current headquarters are found in Boadilla del Monte, MAD, Spain with its current CEO, Javier Marin steering the wheel of the largest bank in the Euro area (in terms of market value).  Just over 20 years ago, Banco Santander joined forces with Banco Central Hispano  in order to merge equal companies to dominate the Spanish banking market, which is simply one of on the many reasons Banco Santander has come to take coveted spot No. 15. Despite their humble beginnings in the Spain area, Banco Santander has dominated customers in Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia, and even their own bank branch in Sydney, Australia on George Street.

Due to its significant presence in financial society, Banco Santander has managed to accumulate:

•       186 000 employees
•       14 392 branches
•       3.26 million shareholders
•       102 million customers

With its focus in retail banking, Banco Santander also provides financial services for businesses, private banking individuals, large corporations, universities, the community, foundations as well as providing services for property issues and sponsorships. 

Santander Headquarters in SA, Spain

Santander has been recognised as the largest bank in Spain as well as one of the top 10 banks in terms of market capitalisation. With this being said, it’s no surprise that Santando has taken over spot number 15, as its current assets come down to 1 533 312 US million dollars and its capital of 7 788.62 US million dollars (information taken from Santando’s current balance sheet [dating 31/12/2013]). 

Santander branch in the UK

Besides providing financial services all across the globe, Santando has become renowned for their past corporate sponsorship of famous names including Ferrari as well as McLaren Formula One teams. Not only this, Santando has spread their name across European households as they practice corporate social responsibility, encouraging sustainability in their direct community. Incorporating multiple sustainable living strategies, Santando on their website state they provide “social and financial inclusion, while contributing to the development of the communities where it is present and preserving the environment,” as well as incorporating a direct focus in investing in higher education for universities in the area; an initiative considered a focus of Banco Santander’s identity. 

Santander branch in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With all things considered, again, it is simple to state that it is no surprise that spot no. 15 is taken by the Santander group who has grown from their humble roots in Latin America back in 1857, to their current position as one of the largest banks with a total revenue of 43 billion Euros (2012). How could any one question Santander’s position on the best banks in the world list.

Santander branch in Berlin, Germany