CULTURAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION OF BANKS FROM CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE – CASES: POLISH PKO BP AND HUNGARIAN OTP BANK

Polish PKO BP and Hungarian OTP Bank are the largest, dominant national bankinginstitutions of a similar nature – universal banks with a strong emphasis on retail operations.However, they differ significantly because of international activities. PKO BP has only local bankin Ukraine, and the OTP group is present in 9 countries in CEE. The relatively strong economicposition of both banks, similar history would indicate that their activities related to foreignexpansions should develop in the same way. However, this hasnʼt happen. Among a number ofreasons we should include cultural aspects, closely bound up with the legacy of the past, politicaland economic circumstances for both countries.