The country’s banks are in a more solid position than their European peers, but ESG and digitisation remain challenging for the sector, and more consolidation could be on the cards.
Western Europe
Latest articles from Portugal

Portugal’s banks in good shape as they brace for economic fallout
May 17, 2022Resilience gained through the painful post-global financial crisis restructuring has helped Portugal’s banks emerge from the pandemic with stable capital ratios, improved asset quality and ample liquidity.

Risk-reduction measures stand Portuguese banking sector in good stead
May 13, 2022Mário Centeno, governor of Portugal’s central bank and former finance minister, speaks to Peter Wise about the resilience of the Portuguese banking sector and the challenges ahead.
Ghosts of European debt crisis linger over Portugal’s banks
September 14, 2021Pre-tax profits slumped at leading lenders last year as the country’s heavily indebted private sector struggled with the pandemic.

Pandemic won't derail Portugal, says central banker
June 14, 2021Portugal’s central bank governor Mário Centeno on the resilience of the country’s economy and the likelihood of bank consolidation.

Reforms strengthen Portugal's economy
April 30, 2021The Covid-19 pandemic has shaken Portugal’s economy, but the country is in a good position to execute its recovery.

Portugal's banking sector ready for the next chapter
April 30, 2021Portugal is primed to take on the challenges of recovering from its recession, having learned lessons from past crises.

Portuguese banks return favour on financial aid
May 27, 2020Once recipients of a bailout, banks are now part of effort to keep the economy afloat.

Portugal acts to protect economy from tourism slump
May 27, 2020Raft of government initiatives seek to boost economy as key tourism sector plummets.

Bank of Portugal governor seeks productivity increase
June 3, 2019The governor of Portugal’s central bank talks to Peter Wise about the how country’s economy is making up for lost time.