Greek banks surge in market performance and maritime financing

Bank shares lifted the Athens Stock Exchange’s General Index, with the banking index climbing over 1% to around 2,832 points. Leading Greek banks—Eurobank, Alpha Bank, National Bank and Piraeus—recorded notable gains, while the sector reclaimed the top spot in trading volume. The rally coincides with heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and a positive outlook from Fitch on the domestic banking system.

Petrofin Research reports that Greek banks’ shipping loan portfolio expanded by 37% to $23.6 billion in 2025, raising their share of financing among the world’s 40 largest lenders to 7.8%. National Bank’s exposure grew 53%, Eurobank 37% and Piraeus 36%, offsetting declines at other major European lenders. The growth is driven by a wave of new vessel orders, with Greece maintaining the second‑largest global orderbook behind China and 26% of new orders slated for alternative‑fuel ships.