Financial literacy is a key issue for Germany’s future. At a time of demographic change, rising living costs and structural pressure on social security systems, financial literacy is crucial to ensuring equal opportunities, providing for the future and maintaining economic stability.

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.

The European Commission plans to evaluate and develop the Shareholder Rights Directive. Germany’s private banks believe strongly that further development will help to exercise shareholder rights more efficiently, thereby strengthening the European capital markets.