Will one of the largest banks in Poland change its name? The institution "has an identity problem"

During Thursday's press conference, Stypułkowski was asked about the possible rebranding of Bank Pekao.

Let's be realistic, the year 2027 is not suitable for an active discussion about the name for various reasons (...). I have set a timetable, we have to answer this question (regarding a possible name change - note by RMF FM) by 2029 - said the head of Pekao.

When asked how he assessed the likelihood of changing the bank's brand, he replied "highly". It is impossible to seriously run an institution that has problems with its identity, argued Stypułkowski.

He recalled that from the first days of his presence at the bank he signaled that Pekao had a "structural problem with the brand". During the past year, we tried to answer the question where we stand and this answer was given (...). We documented where we are and it turned out that the bank has a structural problem with building an identity, mixing us up, being number two - said the bank's president.

Will Pekao become Polbank?

The media previously reported that the bank may consider changing its name, which would make it easier to distinguish Pekao from PKO BP. According to reports, one of the options would be "Polbank", as President Stypułkowski has registered this name with the Patent Office.

Today he explains that it was only a "preventive move" if the bank decided to use it. Decisions on this matter have still not been made, and Polbank appeared in the discussion on changing the name at the Pekao management board level - as he argued - only after the matter was described by the media.

We have this perspective of 2029, where I clearly want to say that we want to build a new bank identity (...). We will begin a very professional process of evaluating the options available to us, including Polbank, of course, - he said.

The long history of the "bison bank"

Bank Pekao, founded in 1929, is one of the largest financial institutions in the Central and Eastern European region and the second largest universal bank in Poland, with the second largest branch network in the country. The bank is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. 20 percent Pekao shares are controlled by PZU and 12.8 percent. has PFR.