How do small cooperative banks become stronger together through mergers?
Large and small cooperative banks alike are under considerable pressure to change. Mergers are often seen as a strategic response to these challenges, also in the segment of banks with total assets of less than EUR 1 billion.
Why is proprietary real estate business facing growing regulatory scrutiny?
Regulatory realignment: how is BTO 3 changing banksโ proprietary real estate business? How can regulatory resilience provide a competitive advantage?
Pay Transparency Directive: from an equality issue to a management and P&L risk
This article outlines the risks arising from the new legal frameworkย โ and the steps institutions must now take to align transparency requirements, profitability and regulatory expectations.
How can banks offer excellent customer service and advice?
Why do customers think in experiences, not channels? How should advisory services be delivered: personalized, proactive, data-driven?
How can the branch be protected as a unique selling point of regional banks?
Regional banks with about 13,000 branches remain the last anchor for customers to experience banking locally. They should therefore start to view their branch network not as a burden, but as an opportunity to stand out against their competitors in the long term. Personal contact and individual advice at branches will remain central to serving bank customers for at least anotherย 20 years.
How can regional banks retain young customers?
Roughly 15% of Germanyโs population โ over 12 million individuals โ falls within the 14 to 27 age group. Why are young customers digitally savvy, but financially overwhelmed? In view of the migration of young customers, how is the role of the primary bank changing?
How can banks strengthen their digital sales channels?
In a world where, on average, people check their smartphones every twelve minutes, banks can no longer afford to ignore mobile-first offerings. Many regional banks responded early and now offer technically sophisticated online banking systems and powerful apps.
App usage is highย โ and in purely quantitative terms, digital log-ins have even increased customer contact. Yet it is clear that sales success through digital channels is still falling short of its potential.
AI in retail banking: closing the gap between ambition and adoption in DACH
What is the state of AI adoption in DACH? Where is AI already delivering value? What is holding banks back? What separates the leaders from the laggards? How can banks close the gap and where does zeb step in?
The stock rally continues, but the problems remain
zeb.market.flash #56, Q2 2026: Despite geopolitical tensions and a gloomy economic outlook, the stock markets rebounded significantly in the second quarter of 2026. At the same time, the worldโs top banks are demonstrating solid financial performance and increased profitability in a market environment that remains volatile.
ICS fitness check โ future-proofing your internal control system
A well-functioning and effective internal control system (ICS) is an integral part of a bankโs management of non-financial risks and contributes to a secure and properly organized business.
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