Banco Santander

Banco Santander incorporated in 1857 by royal decree from Queen Isabella II of Spain, expanding through organic growth and acquisitions in its domestic market and in Latin America, where it retains a major presence. In common with Spanish rivals BBVA, CaixaBank and Sabadell, it avoided the worst of the financial crisis through a focus on relatively lower-risk retail banking, which allowed it to make a series of additional acquisitions in the U.S. (Sovereign) and U.K. (Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester, and Bradford & Bingley). Other important markets include Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, though Santander has over 160 million customers in more than 30 countries, employing over 210,000 people. Headquartered in a specially-built campus at Boadilla del Monte, just outside Madrid, Santander has been run by a member of the Botín family since 1950.