Sparda-Bank Berlin: Others are closing branches – this bank is investing in locations in the east
Neo and digital direct banks are making it difficult for classic players. The Sparda-Bank Berlin, however, is preparing itself with an unusual strategy - including a radically new structure.
The Sparda-Bank Berlin has launched an advertising campaign called "FKK", which stands for "Freie Konto-Kultur" (Free Account Culture), but plays on the phrase's similarity to "Freikörperkultur" (Free Body Culture), a long-standing tradition in East Germany. The bank, which operates 55 locations across Eastern Germany, aims to connect with regional customers by showcasing its commitment to the community.
CEO Frank Kohler is overhauling the bank's culture, transforming its branches into multifunctional spaces for work, events, and community activities, such as the Blok O in Frankfurt (Oder), which combines a bank, café, and co-working space. The goal is to make the bank a central hub for the community and differentiate it from digital-only competitors.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
