Bank Handlowy, founded in 1870 on the initiative of a group of investors led by Leopold Kronenberg, is the oldest commercial bank in Poland and one of the longest continuously operating in Europe. The first chairman of the Bank's Council was Count Józef Zamoyski, who was replaced after two years by Leopold Kronenberg.

Bank Handlowy co-financed the construction of the Adam Mickiewicz monument in Warsaw, unveiled on December 24, 1898.

Before the outbreak of World War I, Bank Handlowy was the largest private bank in the Polish lands and one of the few providing financial services for trade with Europe. It continued its operations during the war.

As a result of the war, the bank's losses were enormous. During the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, the bank's building complex was burned down, and the surviving assets did not cover the liabilities.

After the war, the bank remained a joint-stock company, and the determination of its employees allowed for the systematic resumption of operations throughout Poland. Over time, it also became the main domestic correspondent for foreign banks.

The year 1989, a turning point in Poland's economic history, also opened a new chapter in the history of Bank Handlowy. Although the bank lost its monopoly on handling foreign settlements, it gained greater freedom in offering a full range of banking services. The rapid expansion of the branch network and the development of new financial service areas contributed to a significant increase in the volume of operations both domestically and abroad.

To promote and protect Poland's cultural heritage and to support education in finance and entrepreneurship, the Leopold Kronenberg Banking Foundation was established.

In 1997, the bank issued the first accepted worldwide credit card in Poland.

On the 130th anniversary of its activity, the bank opened a new chapter in its history by joining the global Citigroup network. The world's largest financial institution acquired a significant package of its shares, thus initiating the merger process of Bank Handlowy with Citibank (Poland) S.A.

Establishment of the Bank Handlowy Brokerage House.

Today, Bank Handlowy w Warszawie S.A. is one of the leading financial institutions in Poland, which under the Citi Handlowy brand offers comprehensive and modern solutions for institutional and retail banking clients. Thanks to its membership in Citi, a leading global financial institution, Citi Handlowy's clients have access to financial services in over 90 countries.

Over PLN 1.4 billion in dividends paid out in July 2024 is historically the highest dividend from the Bank's regular profit and the highest dividend yield in the banking sector in Poland in 2024.