Bankinter has accelerated its expansion in Ireland and Portugal, where it has increased its credit portfolio by €1.751 billion. These countries represent 64% of the growth in credit to the private sector, according to data from the entity.
The growth of Bankinter abroad has intensified, especially in Ireland and Portugal, which have significantly contributed to its credit portfolio. According to expansion.com, in the first half of 2026, both markets together account for 64% of the year-on-year increase in credit to the private sector, with a total increase of €1.751 billion.
The credit portfolio in Portugal increased by €742 million, while in Ireland it grew by €1.009 billion. These increases account for nearly two-thirds of the total growth of €2.728 billion in loans to the private sector.
In Portugal, Bankinter has consolidated its presence since the acquisition of Barclays over ten years ago, and currently has more than 300,000 customers. The entity seeks to strengthen its ties with them by combining different financial services.
On the other hand, Ireland has become a key market for Bankinter since its entry in 2019, with notable growth that has multiplied its credit volume by 13. The entity's strategy in this country focuses on offering competitive products in a market where there was a shortage of banking alternatives.
Moreover, Bankinter has shown a differentiated strategy in each country, focusing on growing in segments where it can achieve higher profitability, rather than seeking indiscriminate increases in credit volume. This approach is also reflected in its mortgage policy, where it has been selective in Spain, while being more active in Portugal and Ireland.
Bankinter's ambition is for the contribution of Portugal and Ireland to reach 20% of its total income in the medium term, a goal that will be reinforced by its recent entry into the Netherlands through the purchase of a mortgage broker.
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