FAQs

When and where was ABN AMRO founded?

ABN AMRO was created by the merger between ABN Bank and Amro Bank on 22 September 1991 in Amsterdam. The date of incorporation of ABN AMRO is 29 March 1824 in the Hague. On that day Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij (Netherlands Trading Society, NTS) was established by Royal Decree of King Willem I. With effect from 3 October 1964 after the merger with Twentsche Bank, NTS changed her name to Algemene Bank Nederland (ABN Bank). After the merger with Amro Bank in 1991, ABN changed its name to ABN AMRO.

Who founded ABN AMRO?

The Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij (Netherlands Trading Society) was established by Royal Decree of King Willem I on 29 March 1824. The chairmen of ABN Bank and Amro Bank before and after the merger in 1991 were Roelof Nelissen (Amro Bank) and Rob Hazelhoff (ABN Bank).

What is the oldest company in the ABN AMRO group?

The oldest company is the French subsidiary Banque de Neuflize. Banque de Neuflize was incorporated in May 1966 as de Neuflize, Schlumberger, Mallet & Cie to continue the business of de Neuflize, Schlumberger & Cie and Mallet Fréres & Cie. The banking firm of de Neuflize & Cie origins go back to the banking house originally established in Genoa (Italy) in 1667 by David André.

What is the origin of the ABN AMRO name?

The ABN AMRO name is derived from the initials ABN (Algemene Bank Nederland) and AMRO (Amsterdam-Rotterdam Bank), the founding banks of ABN AMRO in 1991.

What is the origin of the ABN AMRO logo?

In 1990, the logo plus typography and typeface was designed by Landor Associates. The shield symbolises reliability, tradition, protection and security, the colour combination green (turquoise), yellow and grey sets it apart from logos of predecessors and rivals while at the same time being very modern, distinguished and clear.

Is the Dutch East India Company a predecessor of ABN AMRO?

No. The Dutch East India Company (VOC, Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie) went bankrupt in 1799, 25 years before the founding of ABN AMRO's oldest predecessor, Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij (Netherlands Trading Society). The latter did however initially take over some of VOC's responsibilities and offices.

Does the bank have a museum?

No. A brochure illustrating parts of the bank's collection is available on request from the History Department.