Question 1

What is 3 Banka?

Accepted Answer

3 Banka is a Serbian financial institution committed to supporting individuals and businesses that generate positive economic, social, and environmental impact. As the 18th largest bank in Serbia with a market share of 0.51%, the bank specializes in providing accessible financial services to underserved communities, with particular emphasis on micro and small businesses, rural entrepreneurs, and agricultural producers.

3 Banka is backed by socially responsible shareholders including Opportunity International, UmweltBank, GLS Bank, and Triodos Investment Management. As a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, the bank promotes inclusive, transparent, and impact-driven finance throughout Serbia.

Question 2

When was 3 Banka founded?

Accepted Answer

3 Banka was originally founded in 2002 as Opportunity Savings Bank, established as a member of the Opportunity International network of banks and microfinance organizations. The institution successfully transformed into a fully licensed bank in 2007 with approval from the National Bank of Serbia.

The bank was launched with minimal capital and just four employees on what was, at the time, an extremely competitive banking market. In November 2021, Opportunity Bank Serbia rebranded as 3 Banka to reflect its triple focus on people, planet, and prosperity—the three strategic pillars that define its mission beyond traditional profit objectives.

Question 3

Where is 3 Banka headquartered?

Accepted Answer

3 Banka is headquartered in Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city and the capital of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. The bank maintains a wide network of branches covering most of the country, allowing it to reach underserved communities throughout Serbia.

Question 4

Where does 3 Banka operate?

Accepted Answer

3 Banka operates throughout Serbia, with a particular focus on rural areas and smaller communities. The bank's employees travel from village to village to help enterprising people start businesses, offering new opportunities in areas with widespread unemployment.

With over 70,000 active clients across the country, the bank has established a strong presence in regions where traditional banks typically have limited reach, ensuring that financial services are accessible to people in both urban centers and remote rural areas.

Question 5

What services does 3 Banka offer?

Accepted Answer

3 Banka provides a comprehensive range of banking products and services, including:

Retail Banking: Current accounts, savings accounts, time deposit accounts, and consumer loans designed for individuals, including retirees and those without permanent employment contracts.

Business Banking: Tailored solutions for registered entrepreneurial shops and private companies, from lump-sum taxed entrepreneurs to legal entities.

Agricultural Banking: Specialized financing for small agricultural holdings, helping farmers in rural communities access financial services regardless of farm size.

Digital Services: Internet banking, mobile banking, and SMS banking services that enable clients to manage their finances remotely.

The bank also developed internet-based training programs on saving, recognizing that almost 70% of Serbia's population has less than 200 euros in emergency savings.

Question 6

What makes 3 Banka unique?

Accepted Answer

3 Banka distinguishes itself through its mission-driven approach to banking. The bank's name reflects its three strategic objectives—positive impact on people (clients and employees), the environment, and economic prosperity for the bank and the community.

The bank specifically focuses on clients who have difficulty accessing traditional banking services, including pensioners, individuals with temporary work contracts, micro-enterprises, and small rural households. This niche focus emerged from a strategic decision in 2009 to differentiate from competitors by enabling access to credit for segments of the population and economy that previously lacked such opportunities.

Nearly half of the bank's 70,000+ active clients are women, demonstrating its commitment to financial inclusion. The bank employs over 500 staff members who are trained to serve underserved markets with dignity and respect.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is 3 Banka?

Accepted Answer

3 Banka is a community development bank and microfinance institution that operates as a fully licensed commercial bank under the supervision of the National Bank of Serbia.

The bank combines traditional commercial banking activities with a strong microfinance and social impact focus. It is classified as a small bank in the Serbian banking sector, specializing in providing micro-, rural-, agro-, and SME loans to clients who cannot ordinarily access financial services from traditional banks. This classification positions 3 Banka as a values-driven financial institution that prioritizes social and environmental outcomes alongside financial sustainability.

Question 8

How does 3 Banka align with sustainable development goals?

Accepted Answer

3 Banka has integrated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into its business strategy, with particular emphasis on Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). The bank promotes continuous, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by financing startup entrepreneurs, micro and SME businesses, and agricultural households.

Through its lending activities, 3 Banka contributes to client growth, job creation, and community development. The bank's commitment to equal access to financial services for all, especially those facing barriers, directly supports poverty reduction and economic inclusion efforts throughout Serbia.

Question 9

What is 3 Banka's financial performance?

Accepted Answer

In 2024, 3 Banka demonstrated strong financial performance with total assets of 33,843.81 million RSD, representing 12.58% growth compared to 2023. The bank achieved an annual profit of 713.52 million RSD, marking a 38.33% increase year-over-year.

The bank ranks as the 8th most profitable bank in Serbia relative to its total assets, with a 2.23% return on assets and 13.33% return on equity. Notably, 3 Banka holds the 1st position regarding its loans-to-deposits ratio at 100.89%, reflecting its strong lending activity. Deposits up to 50,000 EUR are covered by the Serbian deposit guarantee scheme.

3 Banka

in Serbia 🇷🇸

Crypto-Friendliness

All done!

About 3 Banka in Serbia