Santander Looks to AI for Digital Transformation

Core Insights - Banco Santander aims to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance profitability and customer base over the next 24 months [1] - The bank targets a profit exceeding 20 billion euros (approximately $23.6 billion) by 2028, up from a record attributable profit of 14.1 billion euros (about $16.7 billion) achieved in 2025 [2] - Santander plans to grow its customer base to over 210 million by 2028, increasing from 180 million at the end of 2025 [2] Strategic Goals - The bank's strategy includes disciplined execution of the ONE Transformation initiative, which focuses on scaling common technology platforms to improve efficiency [3] - Santander expects an efficiency ratio of approximately 36% and a return on tangible equity (RoTE) above 20% by 2028 [3] Investment and Growth - Investments in data and AI are expected to generate over 1 billion euros annually in cost savings and revenues, contributing about 1 percentage point to cost-to-income improvement [7] - Santander anticipates mid-single-digit percentage revenue growth and annual cost reductions, supporting its profit goal of over 20 billion euros by 2028 [8] Expansion Plans - The bank plans to expand its presence in the U.S. by acquiring Webster Bank's holding company for $12.2 billion, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of the year [8] - Upon completion, the combined entity will rank among the top 10 retail and commercial banks in the U.S. by assets and among the top five deposit franchises in key Northeastern states [9]