Santander’s AI-Led Tech Overhaul Drives Record First-Half Profit

Banco Santander’s ONE Transformation programme is consolidating technology platforms, data architecture and cloud capabilities across its global businesses. The Spanish banking group is also deploying AI in digital self-service, cross-selling and hyper-personalised customer journeys. The strategy is significant because it aims to let Santander expand its customer base while lowering operating costs and improving efficiency across markets.

Santander said on July 22 that underlying profit rose 15% year on year to a record 7.3 billion euros in the first half of 2026. Second-quarter underlying profit increased 17% to 3.8 billion euros. Revenue grew 6%, costs declined 2% and the bank added 12 million customers from a year earlier, highlighting the operating leverage generated by ONE Transformation.