About us
Our Mission
At Sparkasse Oberösterreich, people come first. We are close to our customers – we listen, we understand, and we deliver the best solutions tailored to their needs. As part of the strong Sparkasse family, we actively embrace change and seize new opportunities. In many areas, we are pioneers: we enable the banking of tomorrow and make managing money easier than ever.
We are proud to work at Sparkasse Oberösterreich. It is our privilege to stand by people during life’s important moments, and we take responsibility for our customers’ financial well-being – even in challenging times.
Sparkasse Oberösterreich plays an essential role in the development and vitality of our region: we make key investments possible and support education, culture, and sports. Sustainability is the path we choose – and we help local businesses act responsibly as they grow. With expertise and commitment, we guide our customers on their journey toward a successful future.
approx. 1,700 employees
personal Support at every
stage of life
around 450,000 customers
Upper Austria's strongest
regional Bank
around 120 branch locations
Across Upper Austria and
the western Mostviertel
Over 175 Years of Sparkasse Oberösterreich
A remarkable journey shaped by countless milestones
For more than 175 years, Sparkasse Oberösterreich has been supporting the people of the region and driving economic development throughout Upper Austria. The bank looks back on a dynamic history shaped by trust, innovation, and a strong commitment to its community.
On August 5th, 1849, Sparkasse Oberösterreich opened its doors for the very first time in the historic Linz Landhaus—back then still known as Sparkasse Linz. Since most people had little time during the workweek to bring their gulden and kreuzer to the bank, it was open only on Sundays. Today, with George enabling 24/7 digital banking since 2015, the world has changed—but Sparkasse OÖ has remained true to its founding purpose: fighting poverty, enabling prosperity for all, and helping people build financial security for their future. For the first time, people were able to set money aside, earn returns on their savings, and gain financial freedom. This new sense of security changed lives, created social balance across different circumstances, and contributed to the development of a stable and resilient society.
Trust
The Sparkasse OÖ looks back on a rich and eventful history — and continues to act in accordance with its original mission: securing the prosperity of people and the region. To fulfill this responsibility, the bank must operate with strong economic discipline and generate solid earnings. Only in this way can it safeguard the trust of its customers, ensure the stability of the Sparkasse OÖ, provide sufficient equity for lending, and maintain the strength needed for future investments.
Innovation
The Sparkasse OÖ operates a network of more than 120 branches across Upper Austria and the western Mostviertel. In recent years, the bank has invested heavily in strengthening and modernizing its physical presence. Alongside an expanded video‑advisory service, several extensively renovated branches — including locations in Laakirchen, Ried im Innkreis, Kirchdorf, Schärding and Enns — have been reopened. A milestone in this transformation is the first energy‑self-sufficient branch of the Sparkasse OÖ, located in Gallneukirchen. Looking ahead, the renovation of the Promenade branch is set to follow an equally forward‑thinking approach. As part of a large-scale Cradle‑to‑Cradle project, materials from the interior of the historic building will be recovered and given new purpose — either as raw materials or through direct reuse by partner companies. This creates a sustainable value cycle that reflects the bank’s commitment to innovation, regional responsibility, and a future worth investing in.
Engagement
Since its foundation, the Sparkasse OÖ has actively lived its founding purpose. Together with its majority owner, the Anteilsverwaltung Sparkasse OÖ, the bank contributes more than 2 million euros each year in donations and sponsorships. This sustained commitment enables a wide range of social initiatives that benefit diverse groups throughout the region.
One particularly meaningful initiative is the Zweite Sparkasse. For 14 years now, the Zweite Sparkasse in Linz has been offering people in challenging financial situations the opportunity to regain control of their financial lives. Today, around 2,370 customers are supported at the branch under the guiding principle of “helping people to help themselves,” empowering them on their path toward stable and orderly financial circumstances.
“Sparkasse Oberösterreich has always placed people at the heart of its mission — and will continue to do so. Going forward, we will remain committed to strong social engagement, sound and reliable financial expertise, and a steadfast sense of regional responsibility,” states Stefanie Christina Huber, Chief Executive Officer of Sparkasse OÖ.
Milestones in the History of Sparkasse OÖ
August 5, 1849: Foundation of the Allgemeine Sparkasse in the premises of the Linz Landhaus.
1889: The Sparkasse decides to establish a home for the care of the poor.
1892: Opening of the new headquarters on Promenade 11–13.
1939: The first three branches are opened: Linz‑Urfahr, Wiener Straße, and Hörsching.
1979: Move into the new central administration building in Wildbergstraße/Urfahr.
1980: Installation of the first ATM for Sparkasse OÖ.
1990: The banking operations are transferred into a joint‑stock company.
2008: The regional business model proves resilient during the financial crisis — Sparkasse OÖ stands firm as a rock in turbulent times.
2015: Launch of George, the most modern online banking service.
2017: The fully renovated Palais Promenade 15 becomes a new architectural landmark.
2020: With Stefanie Christina Huber, a woman becomes CEO of the bank for the first time.
2021: After two years of renovation, the modernized Linzerie shopping center (formerly Arkade) reopens in downtown Linz.
2024: Start of the complete renovation of the main building on the Promenade in Linz.
Construction of the new Sparkasse building on the Promenade at the end of the 19th century
Sparkasse OÖ headquarters on the Promenade in 2024
Shareholder Structure
Ratings
Sparkasse Oberösterreich Bank AG is rated by Moody's.
In terms of sustainability, ISS ESG rates the Sparkasse Oberösterreich Bank AG with Prime Status C+.
Financial Reports
Corporate Social Responsibility
Sustainability is the path we choose – yesterday, today and for the future
For more than 175 years, Sparkasse Oberösterreich has been a trusted partner to the people and businesses of our region. Our commitment goes beyond banking: we actively shape a future worth living. With our role in the economy, we carry a special responsibility for the well‑being of our environment, society, and regional development.
To live up to this responsibility, we follow a comprehensive sustainability strategy that guides our everyday actions – with our employees, our customers, and our partners. These principles ensure that we continue to evolve sustainably as a bank and contribute to the long‑term prosperity of our region.
Our Goals
By 2025
Improve our ISS ESG rating from C to C+.
By 2025
50% sustainable financing in new private residential construction business.
15% sustainable financing in new commercial real estate business.
By 2030
Reduce our operational CO₂ footprint by 70% compared to 2017.
By 2030
Achieve 30% women in leadership positions.
By 2050
Net-zero portfolio: Achieving a balance between the CO₂ emissions we generate and those removed from the atmosphere — contributing to limiting global warming and ensuring a sustainable future.
Sustainability Strategy
The full integration of our sustainability strategy into our overall corporate strategy highlights the essential role sustainability plays in our future success and long-term development. To measure our progress toward overarching sustainability goals, we rely—among other indicators—on achieving the “Prime” status in the ISS ESG sustainability rating. With our current C+ rating, we are recognized as holding “Prime” status within the Public & Regional Banks sector. This recognition confirms our strong commitment to responsible business practices. However, we are fully aware of the dynamic environment in which we operate. For us, sustainability is not a static achievement but an ongoing process. We continuously refine and expand our initiatives to ensure we contribute meaningfully to environmental, social, and economic progress—today and in the future.
Charity, Sponsoring & Corporate Social Responsibility
Since its foundation in 1849, Sparkasse Oberösterreich has remained committed to its charitable mission. For more than 170 years, we have supported initiatives that strengthen our region and contribute to social well‑being. Our engagement focuses on four key areas:
Youth & Sports: Encouraging young talent and active lifestyles.
Arts & Culture: Bringing cultural projects to life and closer to the community.
Social Affairs: Supporting social initiatives remains central to our founding mission.
Science & Research: Strong partnerships with regional universities to bring knowledge from research into practice