Santander It has positioned itself as the first European bank in the 'World's Most Admired Companies' 2026 ranking of the magazine FortuneThis recognition, based on surveys of 3.000 executives and analysts, values the innovation, management and social responsibility of the entity among the largest firms in the world.
Leadership in the megabank sector
According to the analysis published from Madrid, Santander has managed to stand out within the competitive megabank sector. The annual ranking, compiled in collaboration with the consulting firm Korn Ferry, underscores the entity's position thanks to key attributes such as the quality of your management, its innovation constant and his commitment to the social responsability.
In addition to these pillars, the experts consulted have highly valued other determining factors for the ranking, such as the financial strength, the global competitiveness, the efficient use of corporate assets, people management, and long-term investment strategy.
| Key Data | Description |
|---|---|
| Regional Position | First European bank on the list |
| Sample from the study | 3.000 executives, board members and analysts |
| Scope of the ranking | 685 companies from more than 51 sectors |
| Start year | Ranking compiled since 1997 |
Business model and global scale
Santander It operates as a leading commercial bank with a customer base of 178 million customersIts organizational structure is based on five global businesses, a model that allows the entity to leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership to maximize its efficiency and service.
The five strategic divisions that make up its business model are:
- Retail & Commercial Banking
- Digital Consumer Bank
- Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB)
- Wealth Management & Insurance
- Payments (PagoNxt y Cards)
Methodology of the 'World's Most Admired Companies' ranking
For the preparation of this list, which Fortune Published annually since 1997, the survey asks respondents to rate the top ten companies in their own sector. The evaluation is governed by nine specific criteria, which range from investor value and product quality to the ability to attract talent.
This year's final public list includes a total of 685 companies belonging to more than 51 different economic sectors, which reinforces the relevance of the positioning achieved by Santander.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Santander recognition
What criteria does Fortune use to value companies?
The magazine and Korn Ferry They evaluate nine criteria that include innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment value, quality of products/services, and global competitiveness.
Who participates in the ranking vote?
The ranking is based on surveys conducted with a select group of 3.000 participants, comprised of executives, board members and financial analysts from around the world.
What is the current size of Santander according to the report?
Santander It presents itself as a leading global commercial bank with 178 million customers, operating through five global businesses that integrate services from retail banking to payments and wealth management.

