Portugal's postal service CTT – Correios de Portugal SA has invited financial advisers to pitch for roles as it evaluates options for its banking unit, Banco CTT, according to people familiar with the matter. The state-owned company is exploring strategic alternatives for its financial services arm, which launched in 2016 and offers retail banking products through post offices nationwide.

Banco CTT represents a small but growing portion of CTT's business, providing services like savings accounts, loans, and payment processing to customers who may lack access to traditional banking. The unit's performance and strategic fit within CTT's core postal operations has prompted management to consider whether to sell, restructure, or expand the banking business.

The move signals potential change in Portugal's financial services sector, where traditional banks face increasing competition from postal banking networks and fintech startups. Any sale would likely attract interest from both domestic and international financial institutions looking to expand their retail footprint in Portugal.