Penta Investments is reinforcing its position in the financial services sector, which it sees as an attractive opportunity for further growth. A key milestone in this strategy is the transformation of Privatbanka into Penta Bank. The bank, focused on retail and corporate banking, is introducing a new name, a new visual identity, a product portfolio developed in an AI laboratory, and a new Technology Hub.
Privatbanka has maintained a stable market position for 31 years and has operated in both Slovakia and the Czech Republic for the past eight years. It has been part of the Penta group since 2007, and the strong backing of the group is now opening up unique opportunities for expansion.
“The transformation of Privatbanka into Penta Bank symbolizes a new beginning for this long-established bank in our portfolio — one that aims to expand beyond its traditional Slovak and Czech markets through the quality of its services and products. Over the next five years, our group has a robust investment plan totalling approximately EUR 10 billion. We intend to prioritize acquisitions and the development of our strongest businesses. With new leadership and a new strategy at Penta Bank, we want banking and financial services to become another major international platform within the Penta group, alongside Dr.Max, Fortuna, Penta Hospitals, and Penta Real Estate,” says Marián Slivovič, Partner at Penta Investments.
Since November 2025, the bank has been led by Petr Řehák, an experienced executive with nearly 30 years in the industry, who joined with a clear objective: to build another growth platform for the group. In addition to strong institutional backing, he sees success being driven by a high-quality team, a clear vision, long-term strategy, and strong execution capabilities.
“Our vision is to be the bank behind your future success — where personal relationships, long-standing expertise, modern technologies, and digital innovation create a unique combination for unlocking our clients’ potential, growing their wealth, and building sustainable success,” says Petr Řehák, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Penta Bank.
The bank aims to be a trusted partner for individual clients, businesses, institutions, and municipalities alike.
New Claim Emphasizes Shared Success
The rebranding was preceded by an extensive analytical phase, including a comprehensive brand study.
“In Slovakia, brand awareness of Penta stands at 98%, while in the Czech Republic it reaches 75%. More than 80% of clients associate the Penta brand with success, and 90% see opportunities in investing in the real economy with Penta. Investments with Penta Bank would be considered by 54% of prospective retail clients and 60% of prospective corporate clients,” says Henrieta Arslanová, Chief Marketing Officer of Penta Bank, summarizing the study’s key findings.
The bank believes that true success creates value for everyone, which is reflected in its new claim: Success. Together. “We are creating the conditions for us and our clients to become synonymous with success together,” explains Henrieta Arslanová.
The new visual identity also reflects the broader Penta group brand.
Proprietary Product Line Developed in an AI Laboratory
“Our internal innovation lab for developing new banking products is one of our key advantages. It shortens the journey from product concept to market launch from months to weeks,” says Marek Benčat, Chief Commercial Officer and Board Member of Penta Bank, referring to the bank’s AI Product Lab.
The bank has now developed a new investment product line called Avior*, offering a unique combination of two products within a single solution.
“This gives clients higher returns than they would achieve with standalone products. The portfolio currently includes two offerings. Avior Invest automatically reinvests ongoing bond yields and diversifies portfolios according to clients’ investment preferences. Avior Duo, meanwhile, is an investment solution for existing clients who choose to reinvest in Penta corporate bonds. These clients are offered the option of placing liquid funds into a euro-denominated savings account with a preferential interest rate of 1.91% p.a.,” explains Marek Benčat.
Technology Development as a Long-Term Priority
Penta Bank intends to leverage digital innovation and modern technologies to benefit clients through faster access to quality information, better decision-making, and more efficient wealth management with maximum convenience.
“We are building a technology platform that will enable our bankers to provide advisory services and make better financial decisions together with clients,” says Jiří Mizera, Chief Operating Officer and Board Member of Penta Bank. Development of the platform began in December 2025, with the first results already including a new website, internet banking, digital onboarding, and a mobile application. The bank’s next focus areas include core banking systems, investments, and artificial intelligence.
“AI is transforming the role of banks — from reactive to proactive. AI monitors portfolios and identifies opportunities and risks before they emerge,” says Jiří Mizera, adding: “To deliver the very best to our clients, we need to build the very best in-house. That is why we are establishing a Technology Hub that will become a centre for technological development across Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and additional markets.”
Further Growth Opportunities
Penta Bank is currently focused on expansion in the Czech Republic.
“The Czech investment and deposit market in our target segments is three to four times larger, making it a logical first step in our growth strategy,” explains Marek Benčat. However, the bank already has clear ambitions beyond that. “In the next phase, we will focus on additional European markets where the Penta Group already operates, fully leveraging group synergies,” adds Petr Řehák.
In addition to organic growth, the bank continuously evaluates opportunities for inorganic growth and potential acquisitions that could strategically strengthen its market position. Its ambition is to build a single bank with a unique modular ecosystem, rather than operating separate parallel banks in each country.