PKO Bank Polski’s branch in Frankfurt am Main – its first outside Poland – is marking its 10th year of operations. In that time, the branch has provided clients with financing totalling over PLN 6 billion.

• PKO Bank Polski serves around 1,500 corporate clients abroad. The Frankfurt branch supports nearly 700 companies from both Poland and Germany, as well as major global corporations.
• PKO Bank Polski remains the only Polish bank to expand internationally with a network of corporate branches.
• New locations are planned to further strengthen the bank’s international growth.

A Gateway for Polish Entrepreneurs

PKO Bank Polski serves 600,000 corporate clients in Poland, encouraging them to expand their horizons and diversify their businesses internationally. Four foreign branches support this effort, with the oldest – the Frankfurt branch –celebrating its 10th anniversary. The branch in Germany’s economic capital also serves to promote foreign investment in Poland.

“We are ready to provide financing not only to Polish companies expanding in Germany, but also large domestic enterprises. Germany is our largest trading partner and one of the biggest foreign investors in Poland. As of 2023, more than 4,700 companies with German capital were operating in Poland. Importantly, investment flows are no longer one-sided – Polish direct investment in Germany is steadily increasing, reaching over EUR 2 billion in 2023. We currently serve clients in industries such as petrochemicals, chemicals, real estate, waste processing, and retail. Our ultimate goal is to be the number 1 bank for Polish companies across Central and Eastern Europe, while also serving as a gateway for European firms entering the Polish market,” said Marek Radzikowski, Vice President of PKO Bank Polski responsible for Operations and International Banking.

Competitive Advantages Driving Growth

PKO Bank Polski stays close to its clients, offering solutions tailored to the specifics of the German market. These include Burgschaften (guarantees under German law), Schuldscheindarlehen (a financing instrument unique to Germany), and SEPA Direct Debit for euro payments, facilitating everyday cross-border transactions.

Over the past decade, the Frankfurt branch has actively supported closer trade ties between Poland and Germany. Germany remains Poland’s largest and most important trading partner. In 2024, Polish exports to Germany reached EUR 95.8 billion, making Germany the largest buyer of Polish goods, with a 27.2% share of total exports. For comparison, combined exports to the next four markets – Czechia, France, the UK, and the Netherlands – amounted to EUR 77.9 billion. This illustrates the strength of the Polish–German economic relationship.

At the same time, Poland has strengthened its role as one of the most important markets for German exports. In the first half of last year, German exports to Poland increased by 4.6% to EUR 48.4 billion. By comparison, exports to China fell by 2.7% to EUR 48.2 billion, placing Poland as Germany’s fourth-largest export market, ahead of China, which slipped to fifth place.

Looking Ahead

Under its current strategy through 2027, PKO Bank Polski plans to expand into eight additional European markets. This expansion will be pursued both through corporate branches, as before, as well as a new model—representative offices.

“We are in the advanced stages of preparing to open our first representative offices, which will launch in the coming months in Sweden and Lithuania. Lithuania is a natural market for expansion, with many companies with Polish capital and strong investments in green energy and infrastructure. Sweden is also an increasingly active market for Polish companies. Our role is to support them in their expansion, to provide financing, and to facilitate cross-border settlements. In doing so, we not only help build a green economy but also strengthen the position of Polish banking as a reliable partner in key infrastructure investments across the region,” added Marek Radzikowski.

With its presence in new markets, PKO Bank Polski will be better positioned to support cross-border transactions and investment financing. The bank continues to strengthen its position, striving to be the most recognized and active Polish bank in Europe.

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