Santander has been awarded the title of World’s Best Bank for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the Qorus Awards. The event took place in Vienna during the Reinvent Forum 2025, where Borja Oyarzábal, Global Head of Commercial at Grupo Santander, accepted the award.
The panel of judges praised Santander's approach to supporting SMEs through its specialised advisory model, digital solutions, international reach, sustainability initiatives, and non-financial support. These elements reflect a comprehensive understanding of SME needs and innovative solutions tailored to meet them.
Qorus is an international organisation established in 1971 by banks and insurers with a focus on innovation and transformation within financial services. Its awards aim to highlight pioneering efforts in banking, insurance, and fintech sectors by recognising organisations that lead change with new technologies and customer-focused strategies. This year's awards drew participation from over 4,500 professionals across 47 countries.
Santander supports more than four million SMEs worldwide as part of its commitment to business development. Beyond standard banking services, it uses its global network and local expertise to offer green finance options, entrepreneurship support, and facilitation of international trade.
The bank's strategy includes initiatives like Santander Multinationals—a unit dedicated to assisting companies seeking expansion beyond their home markets with services aligned with corporate banking standards.