Once dubbed the “most dangerous bank in the world” by the IMF, Deutsche Bank’s journey from its controversial past to its ambitious future offers a riveting narrative of resilience and reinvention.
Deutsche Bank is one of the leading financial services providers in the world, with a rich history and a significant presence in the global banking industry. From its early beginnings to current affairs, Deutsche Bank has faced many challenges and was involved in some of the biggest scandals and most influential events in history.
From its close ties to the Third Reich and Russian money-laundering operations, to its involvement in the financial crisis of 2008 and its violations of US sanctions, Deutsche Bank has enjoyed its fair share of troubles. In 2016, in an article by the BBC, it was named as the most dangerous bank in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Historical background
Deutsche Bank was established in 1870 in Berlin and its initial goal was to act as a commercial bank that would strengthen the bond between Germany and the rest of the world. Some of its founders include Georg Siemens, Adelbert Delbrück, and Ludwig Bamberger, who aimed at establishing a bank that could facilitate the growth of the industrial sector within Germany.
Originally, it was mainly a trade bank that provided capital for international commerce and exportation of goods by Germany. During the early twentieth century, the Bank had international branches in London and New York and other leading financial centres. The bank also invested in railways and participated in the funding of the industrialisation of Germany which was instrumental in the growth of the nation’s economy.
Expansion and diversification
After the second World War, Deutsche Bank was divided into ten regional banks as a result of the decentralisation policy adopted by the Allies in Germany. However, these regional banks joined together in 1957 to form the modern Deutsche Bank. These changes signified the start of the unification and growth period of the organisation.
In the period of the 1970s and 80s, the geographical locations of Deutsche’s operations broadened, as well as the product offering that extended to Investment Banking, Asset Management and Private Banking. Morgan Grenfell was acquired in 1989 which signalled a major entry into investment banking. During this period, the bank also sought to open new branches and offices mainly in Asia, Americas and other parts of Europe.
Key business segments of Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank operates through several key business segments.
Corporate bank
This division is responsible for cash management, trade finance and lending for the corporate clients. It helps organisations in their day to day activities and to enter new markets.
Investment bank
Among the service areas, Deutsche Bank has concentrated heavily on investment banking activities including M&A, debt and equity underwriting and distribution, trading, and financing and financial risk management. This is one of the major revenue earners for the institution since its major function is that of an investment bank.
Private bank
This division provides services for individual clients and focusses on wealth management, financial planning, and private banking. It also caters to retail businesses and individuals offering tailor-made financial services.
Asset management
Deutsche Bank’s asset management division is carried out through its subsidiary known as DWS Group which provides investment products as well as services for both wholesale and retail customers. The division oversees investment in many funds, such as equity, fixed income and other investment categories.
Capital Release Unit
This unit originally was created with the purpose of divesting and exiting non-strategic businesses and operating assets. Thus, it is based on decreasing RWAs and creating capital that will be released for more valuable uses.
Challenges and controversies
However, like other global banks, Deutsche Bank has its own share of troubles, and controversies in its operation. All these problems have greatly affected its image and business outcomes.
Financial crisis
Deutsche Bank was also greatly impacted by the 2008 global financial crisis and suffered huge losses. It accumulated losses arising from subprime mortgages and some intricate securities such as derivatives.
Legal issues
Some of the legal issues that have surrounded Deutsche Bank include money laundering, tax evasion, and market manipulation. Such problems have resulted in several punitive measures and legal actions that have reduced the bank’s earnings.
Restructuring efforts
In light of its current problems regarding its finances and the legal issues it faces, Deutsche Bank has implemented various restructuring strategies. Such efforts are aimed at rationalising functions and processes, lowering overheads and enhancing revenues and margins. However, the process of restructuring has not been easy, and it has led to laying off a lot of people.
Recent developments
Since 2000, Deutsche Bank has introduced appropriate measures to improve the stability and profitability of the company. Key developments include:
Strategic partnerships
The bank had formed strategic partnerships with other financial organiszations with the intention of improving the existing and new products to be introduced to the market. For example, it has a strategic alliance with Google Cloud that seeks to use cloud solutions for future banking services.
Digital transformation of Deutsche Bank
Technology has also been widely adopted in Deutsche Bank to enhance its delivery services and day to day operations. Solutions implemented at this level consist of the creation of a digital banking solution and the employment of AI for credit risk and customer services.
Sustainability focus
The bank has promised to adopt ESG principles in its operations. It strives to promote sustainable finance as well as minimise its environmental impact in line with the global fight against climate change.
In order to explore opportunities, remain competitive and protect itself against risk the bank plans to adapt to the changing environment by focussing on different areas, including:
Innovation and technology
For organisations like the Deutsche Bank, technology and innovation will have to remain key imperatives and the adoption of fintech and digital services will help improve the delivery of services and operating models.
Sustainable finance
Given the increasing focus on ESG factors today, Deutsche Bank’s strategy to address ESG considerations can help it expand its market opportunities. In this way the bank is able to position itself in line with global trends, as well as support sustainable projects and become an attractive option for investors.
Regulatory compliance
Managing the complex regulatory environment will be crucial as the bank wants to shape its future image and meet international legislation to boost stability and reliability.
Global expansion
Expanding into emerging markets and investing in those markets will help the bank to grow and to effectively manage its sources of revenue.
Deutsche Bank Boosts Compliance by Appointing Laura Padovani
To respond to the regulatory environment and become more bulletproof as a business, Deutsche Bank announced on Sunday (30 June) that it will appoint Laura Padovani to the management board.
She will be responsible for compliance and for preventing financial crime. Padovani joined Deutsche last year as chief compliance officer but has now been promoted to the board. The promotion will make her the second female on what will become a 10-person board.
Deutsche Bank’s chairman Alexander Wynaendts has said that Padovani’s promotion was striving for greater gender balance, and towards strengthening internal controls especially around issues like money-laundering.
Wynaendts said: that “Now is the right time for her to assume responsibility for key control functions at the management board level.” She will replace
Stefan Simon, who will continue his role overseeing the Americas and the legal department.
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