• Home
• Channel: Community & Culture
• Highest Honor: Billionaire Banker Csányi Decorated with Hungarian Order of St Stephen by President Novák

Highest Honor: Billionaire Banker Csányi Decorated with Hungarian Order of St Stephen by President Novák

• 3 Apr 2023 7:09 AM
• Hungary Matters

President Katalin Novák decorated Sándor Csányi, chairman and chief executive of OTP Bank and head of the Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ), with the Hungarian Order of St Stephen, the highest honour in Hungary, at the presidential Sándor Palace.

Csányi received the award in recognition of his achievements in bolstering Hungary’s reputation abroad and his paramount role in creating and developing a stable banking system which has served Hungary’s economic competitiveness.

The award also recognises Csányi’s accomplishments as one of central Europe’s most prominent business leaders, as well as his commitment to national values and interests.

In addition, the award is a recognition of his exemplary achievements in supporting Hungarian culture, education and sport as well as talent management. 

He was nominated for the honour by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

In her laudation, Novák said Csányi was “unquestionably a part of and a source of Hungary’s economic strength”, noting that OTP Bank also held its own on the international market. She also praised Csányi’s support for disadvantaged youth.

In his acceptance speech, Csányi said that over the past decades he had always put Hungary’s interests before those of the companies and organisations he led. Csányi has been chairman-CEO of OTP Bank since 1992.

He has been chairman of the Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ) since July 2010. He serves as president of the board of the Prima Primissima Awards presented annually to recognise artists, athletes, as well as representatives of academic life, popular culture, education and the press.

The award ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Cardinal Péter Erdő, the Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, members of government, public dignitaries and past recipients of the award.

• How does this content make you feel?
• I love it
• I like it
• I dislike it

• Banker Sándor Csányi Hungarian Order of St Stephen

XpatLoop Media Partner

Hungary Matters

Launched in January 2014, this newsletter published on week days covers 'everything you need to know about what’s going on in Hungary and beyond', according to its publisher the state media agency MTI.

Explore More Reports

The Ultimate Expat Guide to Budapest: Part 4 - Language & Customs

• 21 Dec 2023 7:11 AM

In the fourth part in our series aimed to help expats and potential expats orientate themselves, we focus on the key to a more enjoyable experience while you’re here: learning Hungarian and understanding local customs.



Quick Guide: Three Days of Celebrations Will Mark St. Stephen’s Day in Hungary

• 18 Aug 2023 10:06 AM

More than a hundred programmes will be on offer during a three-day festival in Budapest to mark the August 20 national holiday celebrating Hungary’s statehood, the event’s organisers said.



Hundreds of Programmes to Choose from at This Year’s St Stephen's Day Celebrations

• 9 Aug 2023 1:40 PM

Family and children’s programmes, pop and classical music performances, and traditional ceremonies will be awaiting visitors at the St. Stephen's Day celebration held between 18 and 20 August 2023.



‘Éva Marton 80’ Jubilee Gala, Opera House Budapest, 18 June

• 7 Jun 2023 6:01 PM

On 18 June 2023, the Hungarian State Opera celebrates the greatest Hungarian soprano of the 20th century on the occasion of her birthday with performances by her former and current students, as well as the winners of the Éva Marton International Singing Competition.