Our ambitions lie behind our figures. Because like your wealth and assets, we too have our own story to tell. And that's something we like being transparent about.
From Belgian merger to European reference
What once started out small has grown on the international stage. KBC was created in 1998 following the merger of two Belgian banks (the Kredietbank and CERA Bank) and a Belgian insurance company (ABB).
Today, the group is active in its 5 core markets of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria. We proudly boast:
• 12 million customers
• 1,265 bank branches
• 41,000 employees
We firmly believe that our company culture, strategy and the efforts of our staff are key to earning, keeping and growing the trust of our clients, giving us the capacity to become the reference in our core markets.
The figures prove it: KBC is and remains a financially sound bank
Our solid solvency position in 2024 was reflected in a capital ratio of 15%, well above the minimum requirement of 10.81% set by the European Central Bank and the National Bank of Belgium. In other words, our robust capital buffer forms a solid base for the future. Find out more about our capital base in our Annual Report.
International awards for KBC Private Banking
Our aim as a private banker is to inspire, boost and stimulate those who count on us, day after day. What we do is enable you and others like you to grow, helping make your dreams come true and then protecting those dreams.
This year once again saw Euromoney present KBC Private Banking with the award for ‘Best Private Bank in Belgium’. Our submission detailing key figures alongside the evolution and expansion of our services was clearly well received by the international judging panel. This was followed by a successful second round – an in-depth interview – after which we were crowned the ‘Best Private Bank in Belgium’. If we add up all our awards in recent years, this marks our 11th win.
KBC Private Banking was also presented a second award at the ceremony: ‘Europe’s Best Private Bank for Digital Solutions’. This comes as no surprise, as many of our digital investments have led to tangible results for clients. For example, our first innovation was sending our clients tailored investment advice digitally in KBC Mobile or KBC Touch before their meeting takes place. This allows them to review the advice in advance to ensure they’re well prepared, which in turn leads to a higher-quality discussion that’s more in-depth and better aligned with their motivations. Digital portfolio advice allows us to act faster and be more proactive as we don’t have to wait for a meeting in person. Investment advice is no longer tied to calenders and we can respond to what’s happening on the financial markets.
On 7 November 2024, the Global Private Banking Awards 2024 were presented in London. Every year, the trade magazines Professional Wealth Management and The Banker, both part of the Financial Times, hand out these awards. KBC Private Banking was awarded 'Best Private Bank in Belgium' there for the 7th time. It managed to convince the international expert jury by emphasising the unique blend of people and technology. In other words: taking time for a good conversation supported by efficient technology.
… and our clients' trust
In the 13.039 surveys completed in 2024, customers gave a 96,3% satisfaction score to the service provided by the KBC Private Banking office. The surveys are conducted by the independent research firm Ipsos.
Focus and care for society
As a large company, we can also use our operations to help shape society, which is precisely what we aim to do in the area of sustainability. The KBC Report to Society contains everything you need to know about our sustainability targets.
Check out KBC’s figures and ratings for yourself.
