Central Cooperative Bank (CCB), part of the financial portfolio of Chimimport AD, celebrates 35 years since its establishment in 2026 – three and a half decades marked by consistent development, sustainable growth and the strengthening of its position as a significant player in Bulgaria’s banking sector.
The Bank was registered on March 28, 1991, following a decision by the Sofia City Court and was granted a licence to conduct banking activities in Bulgaria. Its principal founders included the Central Cooperative Union, regional cooperative unions and more than 1,100 cooperative organisations. CCB’s original mission was focused on supporting and developing Bulgaria’s cooperative system.
Over the following decades, CCB steadily expanded the scope of its operations and its international presence. In 1993, the Bank became an associate member of the European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB), while in 1999 it became a public company with shares traded on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange. Since 2002, Chimimport AD has been the Bank’s principal shareholder.
In 2004, CCB joined the International Association of Cooperative Banks, and following Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union in 2007, it became a full member of the EACB. Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area in 2026 marks a new stage in the development of the country’s banking sector and creates further opportunities for financial institutions operating in the market.
Today, CCB is an established universal commercial bank, offering a broad range of financial products and services to both individual and corporate clients. Alongside the development of its traditional banking services, the institution continues to invest actively in digitalisation and technological solutions designed to make everyday banking faster, more secure and more accessible.
CCB’s stable development is also reflected in leading international industry rankings. In SeeNews’ SEE TOP 100 Banks ranking for 2024, Central Cooperative Bank ranked 28th among the largest banks in Southeast Europe, with total assets exceeding BGN 9 billion.
Thirty-five years after its establishment, Central Cooperative Bank continues to develop its business model by combining decades of experience and tradition with modern technologies and the new opportunities emerging within the European financial sector. The Bank enters the next stage of its development with a continued focus on sustainable growth, digitalisation and high-quality service for its clients and partners.