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.
Banco Santander
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Change the World 2025
The global banking giant has been investing in workforce upskilling for nearly 30 years, investing 2.4 billion euros in job training and broader higher education. Among its most effective tools: Santander Open Academy, which offers free courses and scholarships for about 1,000 programs every year, in partnership with universities in 14 countries. Course subjects include digital technologies, languages, sustainability, leadership skills, and AI; the bank estimates that 3.7 million people and businesses have benefited.
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