CrediaBank has marked a new phase in its growth strategy after its chief executive Eleni Vrettou rang the opening bell at the Athens Stock Exchange to launch trading of its newly issued shares.

The ceremony follows the successful completion of a €300 million share capital increase, which was oversubscribed by 3.8 times, with total demand exceeding €1.1 billion.

The strong investor interest reflects growing confidence in the bank’s strategy, particularly as it transitions from a restructuring phase into a period focused on expansion and international growth.

In her remarks, Vrettou described the listing as a symbolic milestone, signalling a shift towards what she termed a new phase of “growth and extroversion”.

The capital increase significantly strengthens CrediaBank’s balance sheet, providing additional resources to support its expansion plans and lending activity.

The development is also relevant in a Maltese context, as CrediaBank is set to acquire a 70.03% stake in HSBC Bank Malta, subject to regulatory approval, in a transaction expected to be completed by 2027.

The strengthened capital position is expected to support that integration, as well as broader cross-border growth across the bank’s core markets.

CrediaBank has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing banking groups in Greece following the merger of Attica Bank and Pancreta Bank, with a focus on expanding its lending book, improving profitability and diversifying revenue streams.

The bank said the capital raise attracted a mix of institutional and retail investors from both Greece and international markets, reflecting broad-based support for its strategy.

The listing also comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, which Vrettou noted makes investor confidence particularly significant.

Looking ahead, CrediaBank said it remains focused on executing its business plan, strengthening its presence in international markets and supporting financing for the real economy.

The latest milestone underscores the bank’s efforts to reposition itself as a larger, more internationally oriented financial institution — a strategy that will also shape its future role in Malta once the HSBC transaction is completed.