History
The city of Curvelo, in the interior of Minas Gerais, was the starting point of Banco Mercantil. The institution emerged from the desire of its founders to encourage the local economy of the quiet region. So, from May 3, 1948, until now, the Bank has not stopped evolving, breaking the boundaries of Minas Gerais and reaching over 200 cities across Brazil. Understand our history:
1943
Opening of the first branch in Curvelo (MG), still under the name Banco Mercantil de Minas Gerais.
1953
Acquisition of the company by the Araújo family.
Founders of the Bank, Oswaldo de Araújo (3rd from left to right) and Vicente de Araújo (4th from left to right) during Pelé’s visit to the Bank. Photo from 1972.
1955
Incorporation of Banco Industrial de Minas Gerais into the Company’s assets.
1960
Incorporation of Banco Santa Cruz and Banco Metrópole.
1968
Inauguration of the headquarters which, since then, has housed the administrative department in Belo Horizonte.
1970
Creation of BMI – Banco Mercantil de Investimentos, the first investment bank in Minas Gerais.
1972
Incorporation of Banco Industrial de Campina Grande, expanding the bank’s presence beyond Minas Gerais.
1974
Incorporation of Banco Mercantil do Brasil and official name change.
1977
IPO, becoming listed on the stock exchange.
1980
Market consolidation in Minas Gerais and recognition by the banking and financial sector throughout Brazil.
1999
Visual identity and branch network revitalization.
2010
Wins the INSS auction in Minas Gerais and later in the interior of São Paulo, focusing on assisting INSS beneficiaries.
2018
ISO 9001 certification for the headquarters branch, confirming service quality.
2021
Migration to B3 Level 1, consolidating its corporate governance
2023
Celebration of Banco Mercantil’s 80th anniversary, with the transfer of operations from the central area of Belo Horizonte into a new administrative headquarters in the Savassi region. Modernization of the visual identity and incorporation of a new name: Banco Mercantil.
