Erste Bank und Sparkasse, officially Erste Bank der oesterreichischen Sparkassen AG, is one of the largest banking groups in Austria, serving over 4 million private and corporate customers. Founded in 1819, it is the oldest existing credit institution in the country and operates through 732 branch offices across Austria. It is a leading provider in private banking, investment funds, and building savings plans, and is a key part of the broader Erste Group.