UniCredit Bank has been awarded Bank of the Year in Romania by the prestigious British publication The Banker, following a landmark year marked by major transformation and strategic consolidation. In 2025, UniCredit successfully completed its merger with Alpha Bank Romania, strengthening its position and long-term outlook in the local banking market.
Alpha Bank merger and market positioning
The integration of Alpha Bank Romania significantly expanded UniCredit’s territorial presence and client base. UniCredit Bank is now the third-largest financier of Romania’s economy, holding a 13% market share. The bank also broadened its product offering by introducing brokerage services for shares and bonds listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, as well as distributing Fidelis government bonds.
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Mihaela Lupu, CEO of UniCredit Bank, stated:“2025 has been a year of deep and accelerated transformation for us, and this award confirms our strong market position. We expanded our customer base and network while continuing to innovate and deliver the best solutions for our clients.”
According to The Banker’s ranking of the largest banks in Central and Eastern Europe, UniCredit Bank Romania ranks third nationally and 26th across the CEE region.
Regional and international recognition
UniCredit was also named Bank of the Year in Italy, Austria, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, earning the distinction in six countries where the group operates.
Silvia Pavoni, editor-in-chief of The Banker, noted:“Under Andrea Orcel’s leadership, UniCredit has become one of Europe’s most active banks in terms of acquisitions and strategic investments, expanding both its technological capabilities and regional reach.”
Andrea Orcel, CEO of UniCredit, added:“These awards recognize our continued progress, record results, and innovation across all client segments. They reflect the strength of our relationships, the ambition of our strategy, and the dedication of our teams.”
The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards, published by a Financial Times Group title, are regarded as a global benchmark for excellence in banking.
Photo: Ziarul Bursa
