Top Banks in Hungary

Banks in Hungary offer a variety of services to consumers and businesses.

Author: Adin Lykken
Adin Lykken
Adin Lykken
Consulting | Private Equity

Currently, Adin is an associate at Berkshire Partners, an $16B middle-market private equity fund. Prior to joining Berkshire Partners, Adin worked for just over three years at The Boston Consulting Group as an associate and consultant and previously interned for the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Senate.

Adin graduated from Yale University, Magna Cum Claude, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics.

Reviewed By: David Bickerton
David Bickerton
David Bickerton
Asset Management | Financial Analysis

Previously a Portfolio Manager for MDH Investment Management, David has been with the firm for nearly a decade, serving as President since 2015. He has extensive experience in wealth management, investments and portfolio management.

David holds a BS from Miami University in Finance.

Last Updated:December 5, 2022

Several banks in Hungary offer a variety of services to consumers and businesses. These banks are known for their decisive financial stability, efficient customer service, and wide range of products and services.

Hungary flag

The top banks include OTP BankUnicredit BankRaiffeisen Bank, and Erste Bank. These banks offer various services, including personal and business banking, loans, investments, and more. If you're looking for a bank here, these are some of the best options available.

The banking sector has a long history here and is undergoing significant changes. However, the Hungarian banking sector is well developed, with many banks operating in the country. The sector has been consolidated in recent years, with several foreign-owned banks exiting the market.

The Hungarian banking sector is currently undergoing a period of transformation. As a result, the government has introduced several reforms to improve the sector's efficiency and competitiveness. 

Money

These reforms have included measures such as the recent switch to a single banking supervision authority.

The Hungarian banking sector has a bright future. The reforms introduced by the government are expected to lead to a more efficient and competitive industry. This will benefit both banks and consumers, as the sector will be better able to meet the economy's needs.

In this article, we'll talk more about the Hungarian financial sector, its top banks, geography, economy, the service sector, and the most critical businesses here.

Geography

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It has a population of about 9.8 million people and a land area of 93,030 square kilometers. The country borders Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.

map

This country has a long history of human settlement. The first people settled in the territory around 8,000 BC. The government has been inhabited by CeltsRomansMagyars, and other peoples over the centuries. The country is divided into three major geographical regions: the Great Plain in the east, the Transdanubian Mountains and Hills in the west, and the Northern Mountains in the north.

This country has a long history of human settlement and development. The first people settled in the region around 10,000 BC, and several different empires and kingdoms have ruled the country for millennia. 

In recent history, the country was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until that empire dissolved at the end of World War I. After that, it became a republic and later a communist state before transitioning to democracy in 1989.

history

The country is a member of the European Union and the World Trade Organization. The service sector contributes the most to the economy, followed by manufacturing and agriculture. The country is also a major producer of electronics, chemicals, and vehicles.

Economy

The economy is mixed, with a heavy emphasis on foreign trade. The country is home to several large companies, including MOL multinational corporations. It's a member of the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).​​

European Union

The economy is characterized by a high level of foreign direct investment and a skilled workforce. Most of the country's economic activity is concentrated in the Budapest metropolitan area. Budapest is home to the headquarters of several multinational companies, including banks, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies.

The Hungarian economy has been growing in recent years, but the country faces several challenges, including a high level of unemployment, a large external debt, and a shrinking population.

Their economy has a highly developed industrial sector, a strong service sector, and a relatively low level of agriculture. The industrial sector is mainly focused on manufacturing, although a significant amount of economic activity is related to mining, construction, and tourism. 

The service sector is the economy's largest sector, accounting for over two-thirds of GDP. The most important sectors of the service sector are finance, real estate, and business services. On the other hand, the agricultural sector is relatively small, accounting for only about 2% of GDP.

In 2019, GDP growth was 4.9%, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union. This growth was driven by strong domestic demand, as well as exports. Their government has been focusing on economic development in recent years, and these efforts seem to be paying off. 

City

The country's unemployment rate has been declining steadily and is now at a historic low of 3.8%. Overall, their economy is in a good place. The country has been experiencing steady growth, and its government is taking steps to ensure this growth continues. If the country can maintain its current trajectory, it is poised to become a significant economic power in the years to come.

Service Sector

The service sector is a crucial part of the Hungarian economy, accounting for over 60% of the country's GDP. The industry is highly diversified, with many businesses providing services to individuals and companies.

Currency

The sector is also one of the largest employers, with over 1.5 million working in the service industry. The service sector is divided into several sub-sectors: transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, retail, and healthcare. Each of these sub-sectors contributes to the overall service sector's output.

Despite the sector's importance, it has faced some challenges in recent years. One of the biggest challenges is the country's high value-added tax (VAT), making it difficult for service businesses to compete with their counterparts in other countries.

The service sector is overgrowing, with new businesses constantly emerging. This is good news for the economy, as the service sector is an essential source of jobs and growth. The service sector is expected to continue growing in the coming years, so it is a good sector to invest in. If you are considering starting a business in this country, the service sector is a great option.

The service sector is followed by industry and agriculture, which account for approximately 30% and 10% of Hungary's GDP, respectively. 

Businesses

Hungary is home to some large businesses, which are pretty successful. The following is a list of the nation's top 10 most significant firms based on revenue.

business

1. MOL Group

2. OTP Bank

3. Richter Gedeon

4. Magyar Telekom

5. Hungarian Electricity Works

6. Fotex

7. Mészáros és Fia

8. Tesco-Global Zrt.

9. Auchan Magyarország

10. Cofidis Hungary

The MOL Group is a Hungarian oil and gas company operating in over 30 countries. MOL Group has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century. Today, MOL Group is one of the largest companies in Hungary and a significant player in the Hungarian economy. MOL Group is a vertically integrated oil and gas company. 

MOL Group's upstream operations include exploration and production, while the midstream segment comprises transportation and storage. The downstream part includes refining and marketing. MOL Group's operations are focused on exploration and production, with the company having a solid presence in the Hungarian oil and gas industry. 

MOL Group is the largest oil and gas producer in Hungary, with a product portfolio that includes both conventional and unconventional resources.

 business 2

​​Hungary's most prominent businesses have a significant impact on its economy. These businesses produce a large amount of revenue and employment and are also a substantial source of foreign investment. The Hungarian government has recently been working to attract more foreign investment, and the country's largest businesses have been a significant target.

The Hungarian government has been working to attract more foreign investment, and the country's largest businesses have been a significant target.

Top Banks in Hungary and Financial Institutions

The banking and financial sector plays a vital role in the country's economy. The industry is well-developed and regulated, offering various products and services to individuals and businesses. 

banks

The Hungarian banking system is well developed and provides a wide range of services to retail and corporate customers. Several large banks are operating in Hungary, and several smaller, specialist banks. Banks here offer a variety of products and services, such as savings accounts, loans, and investment products. They also provide a range of services to business customers, including financing, foreign exchange, and trade services.

The banking sector has been through some tough times in recent years, but it has emerged more substantial and more resilient. As a result, the industry is now well-positioned to provide the products and services that Hungarian businesses and consumers need.

Hungary has a long history of banking and financial institutions. Some of the central banks include the Hungarian Development Bank, the Hungarian National Bank, and the Hungarian Investment Bank. These banks play a vital role in the Hungarian economy, financing businesses, and individuals.

In recent years, the Hungarian banking sector has undergone significant reforms. The government has privatized several state-owned banks and introduced new regulations to improve the banking system's stability. 

As a result of these reforms, the Hungarian banking sector is now more robust than ever before.

Here is a list of some other major financial institutions:

  • Budapest Bank
  • CIB Bank
  • OTP Bank
  • FHB Bank
  • K&H Bank
  • UniCredit Bank Hungary
  • Raiffeisen Bank
  • MKB Bank
  • Erste Bank
  • Concorde Értékpapír Zrt.
  • Gránit Bank

The financial sector plays a vital role in the Hungarian economy and contributes to the country's GDP.

Researched and authored by Jake Heimowitz | LinkedIn

Reviewed and edited by James Fazeli-Sinaki | LinkedIn

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