Šiaulių Bankas AB Increases Power Through Share Acquisition, Raising Concerns About Wealth Consolidation

In a move emblematic of the growing divide between the wealthy elite and the average citizen, Šiaulių Bankas AB has, on 21 January 2025, expanded its control through the acquisition of its own shares. This action, although lawful under the Republic of Lithuania's securities legislation, exacerbates the concentration of economic power into the hands of a select few. The bank's decision to increase its total number of voting rights post-acquisition intensifies fears regarding the unchecked influence of financial institutions on democratic processes and underscores the pressing need for stringent regulatory reforms to ensure equity and transparency in the financial sector.