A legacy of the ledgers: World's oldest banks

What makes these banks stand out? It’s their ability to evolve, innovate, and lead in an ever-changing financial world. With centuries of history behind them, they’ve continually redefined banking, blending time-honored tradition with cutting-edge solutions. From wealth management to investment banking, these institutions don’t just adapt—they shape the future of finance.

The oldest of the olds

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena

Imagine opening an account at a bank that existed before the Renaissance had fully bloomed, before Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, and before Christopher Columbus thought about sailing the ocean blue. Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (BMPS), established in 1472, is the world’s oldest surviving bank, located in the heart of Italy.

Born from a noble idea—offering loans to the poor in Siena—BMPS didn’t just survive the rise and fall of empires; it thrived through them. It pioneered mortgage lending in Italy and expanded to over 2,000 branches. Today, BMPS offers a wide range of services, including retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, insurance, and investment management. Through its asset management arm, it manages a variety of funds, offering solutions to both retail and institutional clients.

Source: Shutterstock

Berenberg Bank

If BMPS is a time traveler, then Berenberg Bank is a family heirloom—passed down, polished, and still valuable since 1590. Based in Hamburg, Berenberg has stayed in the same family for over four centuries, offering private banking, wealth management, asset management, and investment banking. Managing approximately €44.8 billion in assets, it provides equity, fixed-income, and alternative investment funds, alongside corporate finance, M&A advisory, and capital market solutions. With just 13 branches, Berenberg continues to blend exclusivity and innovation while maintaining a strong legacy.

Source: Google / Wikipedia; *Berenberg's Frankfurt office

Family legacy banks

C. Hoare & Co

In the heart of London lies C. Hoare & Co., a bank that has quietly shaped British finance since the days of wigs and waistcoats. Founded in 1672 by Sir Richard Hoare, it has remained family-run for over 350 years, offering highly personalised service.

More than just a boutique bank for the ultra-wealthy, C. Hoare & Co. was a pioneer of modern banking, introducing printed checks in the 18th century. The bank's client list includes historical figures like Lord Byron and Jane Austen. Today, it continues to blend tradition with modern solutions, offering tailored financial services that reflect its long-standing commitment to trust and adaptability.

C. Hoare & Co. offers a wide range of services, including current accounts, deposit accounts, borrowing, treasury & foreign exchange, and philanthropy, providing bespoke solutions for both individuals and businesses.

Source: Shutterstock

Metzler Bank

Established in 1674 by Benjamin Metzler, this Frankfurt-based institution started as a cloth trading business before realising that finance was the real fabric of power. By the 1760s, Metzler pivoted to banking, fine-tuning its services to focus on wealth management, private banking, and asset management.

Metzler is Germany’s oldest bank, with an unbroken tradition of family ownership. It concentrates on providing individual capital market services for institutions and demanding private clients in four key areas: Asset Management, Capital Markets, Corporate Finance, and Private Banking. Its long-term vision, stable management, and strong values have earned it a trusted reputation in the financial world. With just 10 locations, it proves that legacy is not about size—it’s about precision and consistency.

Source: smsbridges.com

A global giant

Barclays

From its beginnings in 1690 as a modest goldsmith banking business in London, Barclays has grown into a global financial powerhouse. By 1736, the name “Barclays” became synonymous with finance when James Barclay, the founder’s son-in-law, joined as a partner. Barclays expanded rapidly through acquisitions, becoming one of the most dominant forces in modern banking, with over 4,750 branches worldwide.

Offering services in retail banking, investment banking, wealth management, corporate banking, asset management, and private banking, Barclays manages over £183 billion in client assets. Leveraging innovation and technology, it constantly evolves to enhance customer experiences, offering personalised solutions and exceptional service. Whether through its investment banking or wealth management divisions, Barclays has mastered the art of survival, blending tradition with cutting-edge solutions to remain a global leader.

At this point if you are wondering what has kept these businesses alive - its their ability to adapt and survive. As technology has become a cornerstone of daily life, banking services have also risen to the occasion. Whether it is in the form of partnerships or developing their own software, these banks have continued to evolve with the times.

Source: Shutterstock

The tech takeover of banking

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena has announced an investment of €500 million in technology as part of its 2022-2026 plan to digitise operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer service, driving its modernisation strategy.

Berenberg Bank embraces the tech takeover with its Sentiment Fund, using alternative data to track market trends. Strategic hires from Peel Hunt and Investec further strengthen its UK investment banking edge.

With Backbase's support, C. Hoare & Co. has introduced digital banking and contactless cards, modernising its services while maintaining its trusted legacy.

Through its digital assets office and a partnership with Deutsche Telekom’s MMS, Bankhaus Metzler has integrated blockchain and renewable energy solutions like Bitcoin conversion.

Barclays integrates AI for fraud prevention, blockchain for secure transactions, and a mobile app featuring cheque imaging and contactless payments. Its Digital Eagles program guides customers through digital banking, while Eagle Labs supports small business innovation.

In summary

In a world where financial institutions rise and fall with the tides of history, these enduring banks stand as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of tradition. These banks have proven that with strong values and a commitment to innovation, longevity is not just possible, but inevitable.

Their stories are woven into the fabric of time, shaping not only their own destinies but also the very landscape of modern banking. As they adapt to the future, the legacy of these financial giants could continue to shape the world for generations to come.