For the People in the Region
Interview with Mag. (FH) Bettina Sax, Chief Executive Director and Board Member for the Market Division of Sparkasse Niederösterreich Mitte West AG
Providing financial security and support to the people in the region – that was the idea behind the founding of Sparkasse Niederösterreich Mitte West AG 170 years ago. This guiding principle has not lost its relevance. Even today, the institute in St. Pölten is distinguished by its regional roots and an attractive range of services for corporate and private customers.
When the Sparkasse was founded in St. Pölten 170 years ago, the main idea was to be there for the people in the region. 'This is more relevant today than ever,' emphasizes CEO Bettina Sax. Through many mergers, the bank has developed into an institution with 440 employees, which, due to its size, can help shape the region and is at the same time independent enough to be flexible. St. Pölten itself is a growing city in an economically flourishing region. Energy crisis, pandemic, and geopolitical uncertainties have shown that regionalism and self-determination are gaining in importance again. 'We have always seen it as part of our task to help the people in our region achieve or maintain their independence,' emphasizes Bettina Sax. The clients are primarily composed of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as a broad private customer segment. In corporate banking, Bettina Sax highlights the proximity to the businesses: 'We take the time to understand business models to be able to offer tailored solutions.' On the private customer side, the bank records increasing consumer loans and a growing demand for real estate financing, although the level is still below that of previous years. 'But something is happening, and that is a positive signal,' states Bettina Sax.
Innovative, sustainable and social
In addition to traditional consulting in branches, Sparkasse relies on an omnichannel approach. This provides customers with a consistent and seamless experience, regardless of the channel through which they interact with the bank. A central theme is sustainability. 'When we finance photovoltaic installations for customers, we thereby promote independence," explains Bettina Sax. For her, supporting the region is particularly important. Sparkasse takes responsibility for society. It supports projects and initiatives in the fields of arts and culture, social issues, education, sports, as well as science and research, with over one million Euros annually. Currently, the bank is in a phase of transformation: With Bettina Sax joining the executive board at the beginning of 2025, a generational change has begun. 'A fresh breeze brings movement – and that is a good thing,' she says. A comprehensive strategy process is about to start, involving the entire staff. The goal is to develop a vision together of what Sparkasse will look like in 15 years. 'This process is challenging and profound, but we have a strong foundation, a committed team, and a house full of expertise.'