#Israel #Tel Aviv #TASE #Bank Hapoalim

Bank Hapoalim Celebrates Innovative Share Distribution Program

Yesterday, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) witnessed a groundbreaking event, celebrating the distribution of shares from Bank Hapoalim to its dedicated customers. This unique initiative marks a significant moment in Israel's financial history, as it allows customers to become stakeholders in their bank, enhancing the overall financial literacy and involvement of the general public.

The celebratory launch took place right before the conclusive trading day of the Jewish year 5785. It was well attended by notable figures, including Ittai Ben-Zeev, the CEO of TASE, and Yadin Antebi, the CEO of Bank Hapoalim, showcasing the bank’s commitment to its customers.

Overview of the Distribution Program

Bank Hapoalim's innovative program, introduced in late August, was offered to over one million customers with active accounts. They were given the option to receive a cash grant of NIS 100 or two shares in the bank, which had a combined value of NIS 124.5 as of September 18, 2025. Importantly, the shares offered come with the advantage of being fee-exempt for up to 20 years or until they are sold, whichever comes first. This distribution is part of the bank’s broader customer benefits package approved for the third quarter of 2025, following the outline of relief measures presented by the Bank of Israel.

Surprisingly, approximately 593,000 of the eligible customers opted for one of the two options, with roughly 394,000 choosing to receive the shares, showcasing a marked interest in the bank's stock. These customers represented around two-thirds of the total who made a choice.

Who Chose Shares?

Among the customers who opted for shares, interesting demographics emerged. Notably, about 60% of these individuals had not held any security in their accounts prior to this initiative. The average age of these customers was 46, with curious extremes: the oldest was an impressive 101 years old, while the youngest was just 18 years, the minimum age to qualify.

When looking at age groups, the 46-55 cohort had the highest propensity to select shares at 70%, while those aged 18-25 had the least interest at 58%. Gender analysis showed an inclination for men to choose shares more than women (66% vs. 59%), while joint accounts saw an even greater preference (69%). Moreover, the program reached customers across 1,207 towns in Israel, from the northernmost Metula to the southern coastal city of Eilat. Central Israel had the highest percentage of participants at 68%, closely followed by southern regions (65%), Jerusalem (63%), and northern areas (63%).

Eligible customers who opted for the monetary grant or made no selection received the grant directly in their accounts.

Leadership Insights

Yadin Antebi, CEO of Bank Hapoalim, expressed pride in the initiative. He remarked, "We are proud to complete the share distribution process and give shares of Bank Hapoalim to hundreds of thousands of our customers today, making them our partners on a symbolic level. This innovative program, the first of its kind in Israel, drew great interest from the capital market and the public. We will continue to introduce unique, innovative, proactive developments for our customers."

Ittai Ben-Zeev echoed this sentiment, stating, "The bank's initiative to distribute its shares as a gift to its customers reflects thinking ahead and a true commitment to customers, as well as genuine financial education, contributing to deeper knowledge and better exposure to the Israeli capital market for the general public. The TASE sees this program as highly important, and as a component of the increasing sophistication and development of Israel's capital market, to the benefit of the public, the investors, and the companies themselves."

In summary, this monumental distribution program by Bank Hapoalim has not only enhanced customer relationships but also heightened financial engagement, paving the way for a future where more individuals feel connected to and informed about their investments and the capital market as a whole.