Czech lender J&T Banka plans to expand corporate lending in Poland, where projects already account for almost 10% of its corporate loan portfolio. Typical transactions are worth €20 million to €80 million. The bank is also considering a Polish private banking and asset management offering.
By the CEO editorial team. English adaptation of the Polish article, originally published on 9 November 2026. Pictured: Jan Kotek, a member of the J&T Banka management board.
Property deals underpin the Polish loan book
J&T Banka initially financed Polish projects directly from the Czech Republic and has had a representative office in Warsaw since 2025. The bank says it has financed a dozen or so investment projects in Poland, predominantly in real estate.
These include financing associated with Warsaw’s Galeria Północna shopping centre and subordinated financing for Star Capital Finance’s acquisition of a retail property portfolio that included Centrum Janki.
“Our interest in the Polish market began with the growing number of projects undertaken in Poland by our Czech clients — investment funds and Czech entrepreneurs,” said Jan Kotek, a member of J&T Banka’s management board. “Our offering also became attractive to Polish companies looking for flexible ways to finance their businesses. We position ourselves between a traditional bank and private debt institutions.”
The bank finances acquisitions, business expansion and debt refinancing. It also provides subordinated financing, which ranks below senior debt in the repayment order. For larger transactions, it can draw on capital from J&T Finance Group or lend alongside other financial institutions.
Private banking entry under consideration
“Poland is an attractive market for our further expansion in the region, with impressive economic growth and numerous business projects that fit our business profile very well,” Kotek said. “Equally importantly, it is a country with one of Europe’s fastest-growing populations of high-net-worth individuals, creating considerable potential for private banking and wealth management services.”
J&T Banka already operates in private banking in markets including the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is analysing the possibility of launching services for wealthy clients in Poland but has not given a timetable for entering the segment.
“Poland’s population is almost four times that of the Czech Republic, yet the value of assets managed by investment funds is at a similar level,” Kotek said. “Looking at the current composition of Polish savings and the rapid increase in household wealth, we see considerable potential for private banking.”
“Leading Czech and Slovak entrepreneurs work with us both on corporate banking and on managing their private assets,” he added. “We have extensive experience in managing and growing wealth, which we also want to offer Polish clients. We are entering a demanding market, but with our experience and knowledge, we aim to become a significant player in this segment in Poland over the longer term.”
According to J&T Banka’s analysis, wealthy Czech clients are more likely than their Polish counterparts to invest savings in investment funds, including property and private equity funds. In Poland, the bank says, households keep a substantial share of their savings in bank deposits or use them to buy apartments directly.
