The list pays tribute to those best regarded among the world’s major corporate enterprises. Compiled by Fortune magazine and consultancy firm Korn Ferry, it is based on a survey of almost 3,500 executives, directors and analysts. 

Santander is the highest ranked European bank on Fortune magazine’s annual World’s Most Admired Companies list. The list pays tribute to those best regarded among the world’s major corporate enterprises, based on a survey of 3,380 executives, directors and analysts. 

Falling under the “Megabanks” industry, Santander stands out for its soundness of financial position, social responsibility, and wise use of company assets. The bank also made waves in innovativeness, value as a long-term investment, and the quality of products and services.

Santander has 171 million customers in Europe and the Americas. In the past 10 years, the bank has undergone vast cultural and technological transformation while enjoying sustainable growth. 

In that time, Santander has seen 60 million new customers, profits triple and shareholder remuneration increase six-fold, and has become a leader in financial inclusion through support to over 10 million people since 2019. 

How is the list compiled?

To draw up the World’s Most Admired Companies list, Fortune asks survey participants to rate the 10 best enterprises in their own industry on nine criteria, including soundness of financial position, global competitiveness, quality of management and products, social responsibility, the ability to attract talent, and effectiveness in running a global business. 

This year’s list comprises 650 companies in over 51 industries. Check out details of the methodology here. Fortune has been compiling this list since 1997.