PYMNTS.com·2025-10-29 20:44Core Insights - Santander reported a record attributable profit of €10.3 billion for the first nine months of 2025, marking an 11% increase year-over-year, driven by sustained customer growth and digital transformation efforts [2] - The bank's long-term profitability strategy focuses on streamlining its technology stack and enhancing digital relationships with its 178 million customers, which is a 7 million increase from the previous year [2] - The integration of Santander Consumer Finance and Openbank in Europe aims to simplify operations, reduce costs, and enhance product offerings, strengthening the bank's position in key markets like Germany [3] Digital Transformation - Santander's CEO emphasized the importance of simplification, automation, and technological capabilities, which are exceeding expectations for the end of 2025 [2] - Openbank, Santander's digital banking unit, has successfully attracted $6.75 billion in deposits and 162,000 new customers in the U.S., which is its fourth largest market [2] - The bank is transforming its retail operations to become a digital-first bank, combining advanced technology with the expertise of its teams [2] Payments Division Performance - Santander's payments division, PagoNxt, is performing well, with an EBITDA margin that has already surpassed the 2025 Investor Day target, reaching 32% [4] - The bank's U.S. business holds a significant share of the auto finance sector, which has faced scrutiny due to recent bankruptcies in the industry [5] - Santander's exposure to the auto finance sector includes a $77 million loan to First Brands, although this exposure is not considered material for the bank [6]