M&AAug 18, 2026, 13:18 UTC

EU clears Santander and Centerbridge joint control of Ebury

What's the deal? On 18 August 2026, the European Commission approved joint control of Ebury — Santander's cross-border payments fintech — by the Spanish bank and US investment firm Centerbridge Partners.

Why the green light? The European Commission said the transaction, which mainly touches banking and financial services, raises no competition concerns given the limited market positions of the companies involved.

Who's who? Ebury, founded in the UK in 2009 by two Spanish entrepreneurs, handles international payments. Santander took control in 2020 by acquiring 50.1% of its shares and later expanded its stake. Centerbridge entered Ebury's ownership through subsequent funding rounds.

What else is moving? In August 2026, Santander and Webster Financial Corporation secured US Federal Reserve approval for Santander's acquisition of Webster, first announced in February 2026. Webster is the parent of Webster Bank, N.A., a US retail and commercial lender.

That clearance followed sign-off from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on 12 June 2026 and the European Central Bank on 21 July 2026. The Webster deal is expected to close on 20 August 2026.

The signal: Santander is tightening its grip across payments and US retail banking at once, using outside capital partners and clearing regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to expand beyond its Spanish base.