Santander has been named the Best Bank for SMEs in Portugal by Global Finance magazine, marking the fifth consecutive year it has received this recognition. The SME Bank Awards 2026 honor financial institutions that play a significant role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through financing and other services.
The evaluation period for this award covered bank performance from April 2024 to March 2025. Criteria included market knowledge, responsiveness to SME needs, diversity and quality of financial products, technological innovation, and strategic positioning.
Santander stated that its combination of local presence, international reach, and digital solutions helps businesses grow. The bank operates in 13 strategic countries and is active in more than 40 markets, offering tailored financial solutions and facilitating international expansion.
Through its Santander X initiative, the bank provides entrepreneurs with support such as training programs, awards, business challenges, and access to a network of experts.
This recognition comes alongside other recent honors for Santander: it was named Best Bank in Portugal 2025 by both Euromoney and Global Finance; Best Retail Bank in Portugal 2025 by World Finance; Best Private Banking in Portugal 2025 by Global Finance and World Finance; Top Employer 2025 for the third year running by the Top Employers Institute; and Best Bank to Work for in Portugal according to the Merco Talento Universitário 2024 ranking.
"Santander combines proximity, international scale and digital innovation to offer solutions that help companies grow. With a presence in 13 strategic countries and operations in more than 40 markets, Santander's teams offer financial solutions, local knowledge and a global network that ensures agile and secure internationalisation."
"Through Santander X, the Bank reinforces its commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, offering personalised support and access to training, prizes, challenges and a network of experts. The goal is to boost companies at all stages, helping entrepreneurs grow and reach new heights."