Question 1

What is ZABA?

Accepted Answer

Zagrebačka banka (ZABA) is Croatia's largest and most prominent bank, commanding approximately 25% of total assets in the Croatian banking sector. Headquartered in Zagreb, ZABA operates as a universal bank serving over 1.1 million individual customers and 80,000 businesses throughout Croatia. As a subsidiary of Italy's UniCredit Group since March 2002, ZABA represents one of the leading financial institutions in Central and Eastern Europe, combining international banking expertise with deep local market knowledge.

Question 2

When was ZABA founded?

Accepted Answer

ZABA's origins trace back to 1914 when it was founded as Gradska štedionica (City Savings Bank). In 1924, the bank began construction of its representative palace building in Zagreb, which still houses a main branch today. The institution went through several name changes over the decades: it became Gradska štedionica Zagreb in 1946, was reorganized as an independent banking institution in 1953, and merged into Komunalna banka Zagreb in 1962. The bank was renamed Kreditna banka Zagreb in 1966. In 1977, following the merger of founders of Kreditna banka Zagreb and Jugobanka, the institution became Zagrebačka banka. The bank achieved a historic milestone in 1989 when it became the first bank in the former Yugoslavia to transform into a modern joint stock company (dioničko društvo), marking the beginning of its evolution into a contemporary commercial bank.

Question 3

Where is ZABA headquartered?

Accepted Answer

ZABA is headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, at Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 10, in the historic city center.

Question 4

Where does ZABA operate?

Accepted Answer

ZABA operates throughout Croatia with the country's largest network of physical banking channels, maintaining 130 branch offices and approximately 800 ATMs as of recent data. The bank has established a comprehensive presence across all Croatian regions, from major cities to smaller towns, ensuring accessibility for customers nationwide. ZABA has also expanded internationally, establishing operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2001, reflecting its regional ambitions in Southeast Europe.

Question 5

What services does ZABA offer?

Accepted Answer

ZABA provides comprehensive universal banking services including retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, wealth management, and specialized financial products. Services encompass current accounts, savings products, consumer loans, mortgage lending, business financing for enterprises of all sizes, payment services, credit and debit cards, and investment advisory. The bank pioneered card-based payments in Croatia, introducing Eurocard and MasterCard. ZABA offers advanced digital banking through e-zaba (internet banking serving nearly 310,000 customers) and m-zaba (mobile banking), both recognized for innovation and quality. The bank provides specialized services including project finance for EU-funded initiatives, brokerage services, and consulting. ZABA owns ZANE d.o.o., a real estate services company, and co-owns Allianz ZB d.o.o., which manages mandatory pension funds.

Question 6

What makes ZABA unique?

Accepted Answer

ZABA distinguishes itself as Croatia's pioneering financial innovator and market leader. The bank was the first Croatian institution to apply international accounting standards (1991), the first to comply with the Commercial Companies Act by establishing a management board and supervisory board (1995), and the first to list shares on the Zagreb Stock Exchange (1995), with shares also trading on the London Stock Exchange from 1996. ZABA introduced Croatia's first ATM (1989), first internet banking platform (2002), and first comprehensive e-branch service enabling direct communication with bankers via chat and video call. The bank operates from a historically significant building that once housed the Deutsche Hypothekenbank Meiningen and later the Deutsche Bank. As part of UniCredit Group, ZABA maintains 96.20% ownership by UniCredit, providing access to international financial expertise while preserving its Croatian identity and market leadership position.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is ZABA?

Accepted Answer

ZABA operates as a dioničko društvo (joint stock company), the standard corporate form for commercial banks in Croatia. The bank is classified as a credit institution under Croatian banking law.

ZABA is registered with the Commercial Court in Zagreb under registration number MBS 080000014, conducting business under activity code 6419 (Other monetary intermediation) according to the Croatian National Classification of Activities 2007. The bank holds share capital of €850,068,232.80 divided into 320,241,955 ordinary shares with a nominal value of €9.48 each. As a systemically important institution in Croatia, ZABA is supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) under the Single Supervisory Mechanism. The bank participates in Croatia's deposit guarantee scheme (Agencija za osiguranje bankovnih depozita - DAB), protecting deposits up to applicable limits. ZABA operates as a universal bank, providing the full spectrum of commercial banking, investment banking, and financial services to retail and corporate clients.

ZABA

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About ZABA in Croatia