Financing the economy

Germany’s private banks have a central role to play in financing the economy. Banks help ensure that capital is available when and where it is needed. They drive investment, innovation and progress, contributing significantly to economic growth and employment. Almost 90% of foreign trade is financed by private banks.

Banks provide a broad range of financial services to their business clients, in particular

Bank loans,
Global payment systems,
Hedging transactions for risk management,
Support on the capital markets.

Banks provide support for small, medium-sized and large businesses, but also for public-sector and professional clients. They facilitate both domestic and foreign business. Reliable and extensive financing for the economy can only be achieved with a strong, powerful and globally competitive banking sector.

Here, the Association of German Banks offers information on corporate finance, including foreign trade finance, sanctions and funding policy. We offer

Analysis of political and economic developments
A quarterly report on corporate finance
Specific tips from our “focus:business” series, in particular for small and medium-sized businesses.
Public panels and discussions
Statements from the Association of German Banks on political initiatives (laws, regulations, etc.)
Position papers from the Association of German Banks on financing for the economy

Beiträge rund um Konjunktur und Unternehmensfinanzierung

Press release

1st of June 2026

Competitive capital markets decisive for European growth

“Europe needs one thing above all else: more growth. And growth will require significant investments into digitalisation, infrastructure, defence and transformation, investments that will only be possible with the help of powerful capital markets” said Heiner Herkenhoff, Chief Executive of the Association of German Banks.

Position paper

1st of June 2026

Competitive capital markets

Agenda for growth and investment

Europe must permanently overcome the current period of weak growth and strengthen its resilience. This will require investment on a massive scale and a financial system that can provide the capital to achieve these goals – for Europe and for Germany. Strong banks and competitive, deep capital markets are therefore vital.

Article

23rd of April 2026

Paying off your overdraft: Five steps to getting your finances back on track

How to avoid unnecessary costs

The overdraft facility offers short-term financial flexibility, but with its comparatively high interest rates, it is one of the most expensive forms of credit.

Press release

20th of March 2026

US Federal Reserve plans to ease regulatory requirements: Europe needs competitive banks

The US Federal Reserve’s decision to ease regulatory requirements on large banks is increasing the pressure on Europe to act. While the US and the UK are reviewing and making targeted adjustments to their regulations, the European Union must not fall behind.

Your contact at the Association of German Banks

Contact

Dr. Hendrik Hartenstein

Head of Corporate Finance

Our newsletter

Our most important news directly by e-mail

Subscribe to our free newsletter, usually in German. The Bankenbrief informs you every day about all relevant economic news. Or receive press releases and other texts from the Banking Association by e-mail.