[1] The history of the Hansabank Group dates back to 1 July 1991 when Hansapank started operating as a branch of Tartu Commercial Bank [et] in Estonia.
[2] Hansabank was founded in Estonia by Hannes Tamjärv, Jüri Mõis, Rain Lõhmus and Heldur Meerits.
In 1996, Hansabank established its presence in the largest of the Baltic states, Lithuania.
Differently from Estonia and Latvia, the first company set up there was Hansa Leasing Lithuania.
In September 1998, Hansabank Latvia and Hoiupank's Latvian subsidiary, Zemes Banka [Wikidata], signed a merger agreement.
At the time, LTB was Lithuania's largest banks by assets and in terms of branch network.