Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972

Contents of the publication

The publication Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972 is divided into 7 sections:

• Changes in the corporate character.
• Human resources.
• Development of activities.
• Expansion of branch network.
• Technology and innovation.
• Promotion.
• Cultural activities of the bank.

Each section features select samples from the rich and diverse material of the Alpha Bank Historical Archives: photographs, advertisements, various bank documents, printed issues, works of art, teller machines, etc.

This material is complemented by graphs showing the financial figures of the bank, as well as the timeline of the main events that determined its course in the years 1947-1972.

It was a period of great growth for Greece. Commercial Credit Bank also grew rapidly, solidifying its position in the Greek banking sector.

The catalogue of a remarkable exhibition

The publication accompanied the exhibition “Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972, held at the exhibition space of the Alpha Bank headquarters in Athens.

It was the 2nd exhibition organised by the Alpha Bank Historical Archives presenting the history of the bank. Before it, from November 2010 until May 2011, the exhibition titled “Alpha Bank/History Ι: Banque de Crédit Commercial Hellénique, 1924-1947” was held at the exhibition space of the Alpha Bank headquarters.

The exhibition was accompanied by a video.

The impressive growth of Commercial Credit Bank

Commercial Credit Bank was the only small bank to make it through WWII and the recession in the 1950s.

1960 saw the beginning of a golden age for the Greek economy and the bank had a high profitability rate.

In 1965 Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company participated in Commercial Credit Bank’s share capital increase.

In 1972 the bank numbered 1,449 employees and a network of 38 branches throughout Greece.

Forever highlighting culture

At the end of 1960 Commercial Credit Bank published a number of wall calendars and albums that showcased Greek art and history. It also commissioned Greek artists to create one work of art for each new branch. That laid the foundation for the creation of the Alpha Bank Art Collection.

At the same time, the bank began acquiring ancient coins, which led to the creation of the internationally acclaimed Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection.

Edited by: Kostas Kostis
Publisher: Alpha Bank
Place and time: Athens, 2013
Dimensions: 29 x 21 cm
Pages: 33
Cover type: Paperback
Greek ISBN: 978-960-99793-7-5