IMF Staff Country Reports

Germany: Technical Note on Banking Sector Structure

Publication Date:

December 23, 2011

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

This Technical Note focuses on banking sector structure in Germany. Germany’s banking system comprises three “pillars”—private commercial banks, public sector banks, and cooperative banks—distinguished by the ownership structure and business orientation. The German banking system includes a large number of institutions in both absolute and relative terms. This note describes the evolution of Germany’s three-pillar banking system. It analyzes capitalization, credit and the intermediation of savings, and bank profitability and efficiency. It also examines the benefits of public involvement and governance in the banking system.

Series:

Country Report No. 2011/370

Subject:

Banking Commercial banks Cooperative banks Economic sectors Financial crises Financial institutions National accounts Personal income Public sector