For the first time in Israel, Bank Hapoalim announced it will distribute shares of the bank to more than one million of its customers, in a move designed to link the bank’s success with its clients and to introduce the general public to the capital market.
The program, unveiled this week, will allow eligible customers to choose between two Bank Hapoalim shares - valued at about 124 shekels as of August 21 - or a monetary grant of 100 shekels.
The bank said the gift is both a gesture of appreciation for customer loyalty and an effort to increase public awareness of investment opportunities in Israel’s capital markets.
Customers who do not currently meet the criteria will have the opportunity to qualify by the end of the month, and new customers joining Bank Hapoalim will also be eligible. The bank clarified that the two allotted shares will be exempt from fees for 20 years or until their sale.
“This is the first initiative of its kind in Israel, where a company distributes its own shares as a gift to its customers,” said Bank Hapoalim CEO Yadin Antebi. “We wanted to give a million of our clients the chance to share in the profits of the bank, even symbolically, while also helping them gain exposure to the benefits of holding securities in the capital market.”
'Not Just Active - Proactive'
The initiative falls under Bank Hapoalim’s new strategic approach, branded “Not Just Active – Proactive,” which the bank says emphasizes leading customers toward economic growth rather than simply reacting to market conditions.
A public campaign, along with an online educational hub, will accompany the rollout, providing interactive content, videos, and guidance on investing.
The bank said the share distribution forms part of a broader set of benefits introduced in line with Bank of Israel relief measures. Customers who do not select the shares will automatically receive the NIS 100 grant.