Santander Bank Leads in Loan Disbursement Among Rival Financial Institutions
Santander, the world's leading bank (excluding Chinese banks) in lending, has shown impressive growth in the first half of 2025. The bank's total loans increased by 1% in constant euros to reach €1 trillion, according to Bloomberg's data [1][2].
Highest Growth in South America and Europe
By region, Santander's credit investment has seen significant growth. In South America, lending activity increased by a staggering 9%, making it the highest increase by region. Europe followed closely with a 4% increase, while North America saw an 8% rise [1][2].
Growth in Consumer, Wealth, and Payments Sectors
The growth was mainly driven by lending within the Consumer, Wealth, and Payments sectors. This growth offset declines in Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) and a slight fall in retail volumes, particularly due to reduced lending to SMEs and corporates. This strategic focus on profitable growth and capital optimization is a key part of Santander's growth strategy [1][2].
Optimizing Corporate Portfolio and International Capital Redeployment
While corporate and investment banking lending volumes have slightly declined, Santander is optimizing its corporate portfolio to maintain robust returns despite cyclical uncertainties. The bank has executed value-accretive transactions like selling Santander Poland at a multiple of 2.2x tangible book value, crystallizing significant value. Simultaneously, Santander enhanced its franchise in the UK by acquiring TSB, with expectations to deliver a return on investment above 20% and a 4% increase in EPS by 2028 [2].
Record Profits and Customer Growth
Santander reported record profits in H1 2025 with a 13% increase in attributable profit to €6,833 million and earnings per share up 19%. The return on tangible equity (RoTE) rose to 16%, reflecting improving profitability through higher net interest income, record fee income, and cost control. Customer funds also grew substantially, with deposits up 4% and mutual funds up 17% [1][2].
Continued Lending to Customers and Dividend Distribution
Santander's profit generation allows it to continue lending to its 155 million customers, while strengthening its capital and distributing dividends among its shareholders [1][2]. Traditionally, Santander has been outranked by banks such as JP Morgan, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi, and HSBC in the lending ranking. However, in the first half of 2025, Santander led the lending ranking of major international banks, including these institutions [1][2].
In summary, Santander’s key achievements in lending are marked by steady loan growth mainly in consumer and wealth sectors, strategic corporate portfolio optimization, successful international capital redeployment, and strong profitability improvements, supporting sustainable value creation across its global operations [1][2][3].
[1] Santander Annual Report 2025 [2] Santander Interim Results 2025 [3] Santander Consumer USA Research Report 2025
- In terms of finance, Santander's growth in the first half of 2025 was significant, with its total loans reaching €1 trillion, thanks to impressive growth in the Consumer, Wealth, and Payments sectors.
- Despite a slight decline in corporate and investment banking lending volumes, Santander continued to optimize its corporate portfolio and made strategic moves such as the acquisition of TSB in the UK, with an expectation to generate a return on investment above 20% and a 4% increase in EPS by 2028, further bolstering its position in the finance industry.
