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About Santander Group

In 2008, Santander became the third largest bank in the world in terms of profits, and the seventh in stock market capitalisation.
In 2008, the Group earned ordinary attributable profit of €8,876 billion, 9% more than in 2007, excluding extraordinary income.

Geographical Diversification

One of the Group’s defining features is its international scope, reflected in the geographical diversification of its businesses. Santander develops its business in three core areas:

• Continental Europe. The main commercial units are: the Santander Network, with 2,933 branches, Banesto (1.915 branches) in Spain; Santander Totta in Portugal, with 770 branches, and Santander Consumer Finance, which is between the leading entities in consumer finance in: Spain, Germany, Italy, and Nordic countries.
  
  
• The United Kingdom. Following the acquisition of Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley's branch network and retail deposits in 2008, Santander has become the third largest bank in the country in terms of deposits, with a market share of 10%, 1,303 branches in total, and 25 million customers. In 2008, it doubled its number of retail banking outlets.
  
  
• Latin America. Santander is the largest financial franchise in the region, with 6,089 branches, and holds a position of leadership in economies with the highest potential, such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. In Brazil, following the integration of Banco Real, Grupo Santander Brazil secured its position as the third largest private bank in the country, with 3,551 branches and 22 million customers.  

In 2008, the Santander Group achieved another important milestone with the acquisition of the US bank Sovereign, with strong presence in the retail banking market in the north east of the country with 747 branches. The Bank also has divisions that operate on a global scale: Santander Global Banking & Markets, Santander Asset Management, Santander Insurance, Global Private Banking, and Santander Cards.

Business Model

Santander has built its own business model, which is supported by the following pillars: a strong focus on retail banking through the largest international network of branches (over 14,000, including Sovereign) in international banking; geographical diversification; prudence in risk management; cutting-edge technology at the service of commercial efficiency; capital discipline; and the best management team.

 The aim of this model is to offer the greatest added value to its 90 million customers, 3 million shareholders and 170,961 employees.

Santander is also committed to society in all its operational countries. Its main focus in terms of corporate social responsibility is Santander Universities, which has signed over 700 agreements of cooperation so far, with universities around the world.