CrediaBank’s Strategic Expansion into Digital Payments and Merchant Acquiring
CrediaBank S.A., the fifth‑largest operating bank in Greece, has confirmed a decisive shift in its business model through a series of high‑profile agreements with Euronet Worldwide. The moves, announced in early January 2026, position the bank at the forefront of the country’s evolving payments ecosystem while simultaneously unlocking substantial revenue streams from merchant acquiring and digital wallet services.
Acquisition of the Merchant Acquiring Unit
On 7 January 2026, Euronet and CrediaBank entered a definitive agreement under which Euronet will acquire CrediaBank’s merchant acquiring business in Greece. The transaction will be financed by an equity injection from Euronet and will be complemented by a partnership that grants Euronet access to the bank’s merchant‑acquiring infrastructure. As part of the deal, Euronet will provide financial services to CrediaBank and the two institutions plan to launch an account‑to‑account consumer digital wallet that will integrate card, ATM and e‑wallet functionality.
The acquisition is expected to accelerate the bank’s transition from a traditional retail model to a technology‑first provider of payments solutions. By leveraging Euronet’s global processing network, CrediaBank will be able to offer merchants instant settlements and real‑time analytics, thereby enhancing the bank’s competitive position in a market that is increasingly driven by speed and convenience.
ATM Network Transfer to Euronet
Earlier in the month, CrediaBank announced the transfer of its entire ATM network to Euronet, a move that will place the bank’s cash‑handling infrastructure under a provider that is not a member of the Greek banking system (ΔΙΑΣ). This transition will allow the bank to avoid the recent legislative reforms that impose higher fees on ATMs operated by domestic banks. The resulting cost savings will improve the bank’s operating margin and provide a clearer path to profitability as the Greek economy continues to recover.
Re‑engagement with Human‑Centric Banking
Despite the rapid digitalisation, CrediaBank has also highlighted a renewed commitment to human interaction. A new retail concept, the “Κατάστημα Νέας Εμπειρίας” (New Experience Store), will combine traditional branch services with advanced digital kiosks and personalised advisory desks. This hybrid model reflects the bank’s strategy to retain the trust of long‑term customers while appealing to a younger, tech‑savvy demographic.
Market Outlook and Valuation
CrediaBank’s market price has fluctuated dramatically over the past year, from a low of €0.616 in April 2025 to a high of €1.78 in October 2025. As of 4 January 2026, the share closed at €1.642. With a market capitalization of approximately €2.8 billion, the bank trades at a price‑earnings ratio of 88.4, signalling a premium valuation that reflects expectations of significant future growth.
The combination of a robust merchant‑acquiring pipeline, a cost‑efficient ATM network, and an innovative retail model positions CrediaBank to capture a larger share of Greece’s payments market. Analysts forecast that, if the integration progresses smoothly, the bank’s earnings per share could rise by 15–20 % over the next 12 months, thereby justifying the current valuation multiple.
Forward‑Looking Perspective
The strategic partnership with Euronet and the accompanying operational realignments align CrediaBank with global trends that favour digital wallets and omnichannel banking experiences. By positioning itself as a technology partner rather than merely a financial intermediary, CrediaBank is poised to unlock new revenue streams while maintaining its core retail customer base. Market participants should watch the implementation of the merchant‑acquiring acquisition and the launch of the consumer digital wallet as key catalysts for value creation in the coming quarters.
