Piraeus Group of Companies is one of the most dynamic in the Greek economy. Piraeus bank was founded in 1916 and from 1975 up to 1991 it was held under the public sector. Since its privatization (December 1991) the bank has been constantly growing. Along with organic growth, Piraeus bank has applied a strategic plan so as to be firmly positioned in the marketplace. In 2002 the bank signed a strategic alliance with the insurance company ING group. Today Piraeus bank is the front player of a Companies Group that covers all financial services (from retail banking and e-commerce to shipping finance). Piraeus bank has also a presence to Southeastern Europe (Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia) as well as London, New York and Egypt.