The Inter Alpha Group of Banks was established in 1971 by six major European Community banks. At that time, the member banks had only limited experience in the international banking markets. The Group was formed to provide a platform for the regular exchange of ideas and explore areas for co-operation. The Group has no hierarchical structure and is connected only by a loosely worded ‘Agreement’ with each bank retaining its autonomy and independence.

The Group’s function has developed to:

• Provide a platform for the regular exchange of ideas at Executive and Senior Management level
• Allow specialists to meet and discuss topics of particular interest
• Establish areas of co operation, particularly in international trade
• Train junior and middle management by means of an annual Inter-Alpha Banking School and annual Inter-Alpha Banking Management Programme at INSEAD at Fountainbleau near Paris
• Create a framework for individual banks within the Group to work together.

Membership of the group has now grown to eleven banks, representing fifteen European countries, namely:

• AIB Group, Eire
• BANCO ESPIRITO SANTO SA, Portugal
• Santander, Spain
• Soc Gen, France
• ING Bank, the Netherlands
• Intesa Sanpaolo
• KBC Bank, Belgium
• Nordea, Denmark, Finland and Sweden
• National Bank of Greece, Greece
• Commerzbank
• The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, UK

Related Content

• Competition Law Guidelines