Germany has begun work on a large-scale investment programme designed to revive growth and shore up investor confidence in Europe’s biggest economy, according to a report in business daily Handelsblatt.

People familiar with the plan said the initiative is being shaped jointly by leading German companies, including Siemens AG and Deutsche Bank AG, and aims to channel fresh capital into domestic projects that can accelerate productivity and sustainable expansion.

Details on the size of the package and its financing have not yet been disclosed, but backers told Handelsblatt the effort will be marketed as a “historic investment offensive” to signal confidence to international investors unnerved by weak output data and geopolitical tensions.

Several major European banks are expanding their cryptocurrency offerings amid growing regulatory clarity and retail demand. Germany's Sparkassen, one of the country's largest banking groups with approximately 50 million customers, plans to introduce Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and custody services directly within its app by summer 2026. Deutsche Bank is also set to offer crypto services by 2026, signaling increased institutional confidence in digital assets in Europe's largest economy. In Italy, UniCredit, an $800 billion banking giant, announced it will offer European clients access to BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF through a newly structured product, marking a notable entry into crypto investment products.

Additionally, Italy's Banking Group Sella is reportedly testing stablecoin custody services, indicating further crypto adoption in the Italian banking sector. On the crypto infrastructure front, Anchorage Digital and Jito Labs have partnered to launch the first federally chartered crypto-native bank in the United States, designed specifically for digital assets. Ripple has entered into a partnership with OpenPayd to enhance its RLUSD stablecoin and real-time payment infrastructure, aiming to support compliant global transactions. Swiss-regulated AMINA Bank became the first bank globally to support Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, providing custody and trading services to institutional clients. BitMEX has become the first exchange to accept RLUSD as margin on its derivatives trading platform. In Japan, Minna Bank is collaborating with Fireblocks, Solana Japan, and TIS Inc. to explore the use of stablecoins and Web3 wallets for everyday payments, marking a step toward real-world crypto adoption in the country.

A joint venture named Allunity, involving Deutsche Bank’s asset management arm DWS, Galaxy Digital, and Flow Traders, has been granted an electronic money institution (EMI) license by Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) as of July 1, 2025. This approval allows the launch of EURAU, a euro-backed stablecoin fully compliant with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. The project marks the first instance of a euro-pegged stablecoin receiving regulatory authorization in Germany, emphasizing transparency and institutional-grade compliance.

The European Commission has proposed relaxing securitisation regulations within the European Union to revive the market, free up bank capital, and boost lending to the economy. The move aims to stimulate investment and improve corporate financing by simplifying reporting requirements while maintaining safeguards to prevent a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis. The proposal includes easing Basel requirements related to the securitisation of debt, allowing investors greater access to debt products. Despite these efforts, some sectors, such as the German banking industry, had hoped for more extensive reforms. The initiative reflects Brussels' intent to unlock funds for financing businesses and invigorate the EU's financial markets, which have been constrained by stringent post-crisis rules.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU's lending arm, has tripled its financing scheme for the bloc's defense industry to 3 billion euros ($3.43 billion). The EIB has also signed an agreement with Germany's Deutsche Bank to facilitate the distribution of these funds to European military firms, aiming to strengthen the EU's defense sector amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine. Concurrently, the European Union is advancing its ambitions in nuclear energy as part of its 2050 climate neutrality goals. A German start-up has secured a record investment of 130 million euros to develop fusion energy technology, positioning Europe to become a leader in clean power. However, the EU faces substantial funding challenges, with draft plans indicating a need for 241 billion euros in investment in nuclear energy infrastructure by 2050. Additionally, scientists have identified a mineral deposit valued at approximately 165 billion euros that could be critical for the green energy transition.

Eurostar has announced plans to launch direct high-speed train services from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, with operations expected to begin in the early 2030s. The new routes are intended to connect the UK capital with major European financial centers and address demand for sustainable travel.

The expansion will be supported by the purchase of up to 50 new trains, representing an investment of approximately €2 billion (£1.7 billion) and increasing Eurostar's fleet by 30% to a total of 67 trains, including 17 existing e320s. Journey times are projected to be about five hours from London to Frankfurt and five hours and 20 minutes from London to Geneva. Eurostar also plans direct services from Amsterdam and Brussels to Geneva. Proposed frequencies are four trains per day to Frankfurt and three per day to Geneva, with Cologne mentioned as a possible stop.

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Deutsche Bank is actively exploring the development and issuance of stablecoins and various forms of tokenized deposits, according to multiple reports citing Bloomberg. The German banking giant, which manages approximately $1.5 trillion in assets, is considering issuing its own euro-denominated stablecoin or participating in an industry-wide initiative. This move reflects a broader trend among traditional financial institutions to deepen their engagement with digital assets and blockchain technology. Deutsche Bank is also reportedly working on its own Ethereum Layer 2 solution, which could support its digital asset initiatives. The exploration of tokenized deposits aims to enhance payment systems and streamline financial operations. This development positions Deutsche Bank among major financial institutions advancing into the crypto space amid increasing regulatory clarity and adoption of digital currencies worldwide.

German Bundestag President Bärbel Bas has called for action against what she described as "mafiöse Strukturen" (mafia-like structures) among recipients of Bürgergeld, a social welfare payment. Bas advocates for dismantling these networks to ensure the integrity of the welfare system. In parallel, Berlin is working to close legal loopholes related to an illegal money transfer system known as "Hawala-Banking," which facilitates quick transfers of money without formal banking channels. These measures are part of broader efforts to combat organized crime and improve oversight of financial transactions within social welfare programs.

Berlin has formally presented its bid to host a future Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the possibility of marking the 100th anniversary of the 1936 Olympics. The bid, titled "Berlin+", is supported by Brandenburg, Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Schleswig-Holstein, and proposes events across these regions. The concept was presented on May 27 at Berlin's Olympiastadion, the site of the 1936 Games where Jesse Owens won four gold medals.

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German long-distance rail operator FlixTrain has placed a major order for 65 new trains, signaling a significant expansion of its fleet and network. The company, based in Munich, announced multi-billion euro investments in its high-speed train offerings, with contracts awarded to Spanish manufacturer Talgo and Siemens. Talgo secured a €2.4 billion contract to deliver 65 trains, including an initial batch of 30 trainsets, and will also handle maintenance for 15 years. This move positions FlixTrain as a growing competitor to Deutsche Bahn, which is simultaneously working to simplify international train ticket bookings across Europe through integrated ticket purchasing. Deutsche Bahn is also revising its cancellation fee policy for Flexpreis tickets, planning to eliminate the €10 fee for cancellations made more than eight days before travel starting mid-June, aiming to attract more customers amid increasing competition.

The European Union has confirmed it will delay the implementation of the Basel III regulations concerning market risk for banks until 2027. This marks the second postponement of these rules, which impose tougher capital requirements on banks' trading activities. The delay reflects concerns within the EU about maintaining the competitiveness of its banking sector amid evolving global regulatory landscapes. The decision to defer the application of these rules was reported by multiple sources, indicating a one-year extension beyond the previously scheduled enforcement date.

Deutsche Bank has raised its gold price forecast, predicting that gold could reach $3,350 per ounce by year-end 2025, driven by increased central bank buying, ETF inflows, and safe-haven demand. The bank remains bullish on gold, citing a strong case for further price increases, with projections suggesting that prices could exceed $3,700 by 2026. This outlook is supported by a recent report that discusses the impact of economic and geopolitical developments on gold prices, reinforcing a robust bullish sentiment despite current market conditions. Bank of America also anticipates that fund flows into gold will continue to accelerate throughout 2025.

Deutsche Bank has issued a warning about a potential crisis of confidence in the U.S. dollar, attributing this risk to President Donald Trump's trade policies. The bank's analysts, including George Saravelos, expressed concerns that a new tariff regime could prompt investors to divest from U.S. assets that have been accumulated over the past decade. This warning highlights the vulnerabilities in the dollar's standing amidst ongoing trade tensions and suggests that a lack of confidence could destabilize the currency's value in global markets.

Deutsche Bank Chairman Alexander Wynaendts announced that Germany is set to receive €1 trillion in additional funding, which will be virtually cost-free, following a positive reaction from bond markets to the country's new spending bill. Wynaendts described the spending plans as 'truly historic' and projected that they would contribute approximately 1% to 1.5% growth to the German economy.

Deutsche Bank has shifted its investment strategy, now favoring European bank stocks and downgrading its stance on European real estate to neutral. This marks a notable change as it has been 25 years since European stocks outperformed U.S. counterparts in such a manner. Deutsche Bank's strategists believe there is more upside potential in European stocks following recent elections in Germany.

Concurrently, HSBC has downgraded U.S. stocks to underweight, with strategist Max Kettner expressing concerns over potential weaknesses in U.S. economic data and ongoing tariff uncertainties. Kettner indicated that the market sentiment has shifted, moving away from a 'Goldilocks' scenario, which previously suggested balanced growth.

Deutsche Bank has expressed a positive outlook for European stocks, particularly following recent developments in Germany. The bank maintains a preference for European equities, forecasting that the economic growth in the Euro Area will converge with and potentially surpass that of the United States by the end of 2026. This projection is expected to drive further outperformance for European equities. Additionally, Danske Bank has retained an overweight position in stocks in anticipation of upcoming tariffs, indicating a bullish sentiment in the European market.

Germany's industrial sector is facing a wave of layoffs, with major companies such as Volkswagen, Thyssenkrupp, DHL, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Audi, Deutsche Bahn, and Siemens announcing significant job cuts. The ongoing economic challenges, including high energy prices and weak demand, are contributing to this trend. Projections indicate that up to 140,000 jobs could be lost by 2035 as industries struggle to adapt to global competition. Meanwhile, in India, the government has stated that quashing Volkswagen's $1.4 billion tax bill would have 'catastrophic consequences,' arguing it would encourage companies to withhold information and delay inquiries.

Deutsche Bank is facing a lawsuit from a former employee who is seeking approximately €152 million in damages. The plaintiff, a top manager from the bank's asset and wealth management division, claims that his career was harmed due to criminal proceedings in Italy related to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA. The lawsuit, which amounts to about $165 million, highlights issues surrounding the bank's reputation and the impact of legal proceedings on employee careers. Additionally, Deutsche Bank's compensation structure has come under scrutiny, with reports indicating that the bank plans to increase its spending on executive salaries by around €10 million in 2024, despite a decline in profits. This situation reflects broader trends in executive compensation within the banking sector, where some employees are reportedly earning bonuses that could be nearly double the CEO's salary.

Deutsche Bank is reviewing its presence at Canary Wharf, a financial district in London, as it faces ongoing challenges in the commercial real estate market. The bank has noted that weaknesses in this sector are particularly evident in the U.S., where leasing activity is declining and vacancy rates are higher compared to Europe. Reports indicate that Deutsche Bank may vacate its Canary Wharf location, which it has occupied for nearly a decade, when its lease expires in 2028. This review comes amid broader economic concerns, including an unexpected contraction in the UK economy.

Deutsche Bank has increased its bonus pool to €2.5 billion, the largest in a decade, despite a reported decline in profits. The bank's CEO, Christian Sewing, is set to earn €1 million more than in previous years, while one employee is expected to receive between €17 million and €18 million, nearly double the CEO's pay. This surge in bonuses comes amid a broader trend of rising compensation for executives at European banks, driven by a boom in trading and dealmaking. Meanwhile, private credit firms are expanding their restructuring teams in response to a surge in bankruptcies, with compensation for restructuring professionals ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million. The demand for private credit investments remains strong, although a new ETF from State Street and Apollo has faced muted interest from investors and scrutiny from regulators.

Germany has begun work on a large-scale investment programme designed to revive growth and shore up investor confidence in Europe’s biggest economy, according to a report in business daily Handelsblatt.

People familiar with the plan said the initiative is being shaped jointly by leading German companies, including Siemens AG and Deutsche Bank AG, and aims to channel fresh capital into domestic projects that can accelerate productivity and sustainable expansion.

Details on the size of the package and its financing have not yet been disclosed, but backers told Handelsblatt the effort will be marketed as a “historic investment offensive” to signal confidence to international investors unnerved by weak output data and geopolitical tensions.

Several major European banks are expanding their cryptocurrency offerings amid growing regulatory clarity and retail demand. Germany's Sparkassen, one of the country's largest banking groups with approximately 50 million customers, plans to introduce Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and custody services directly within its app by summer 2026. Deutsche Bank is also set to offer crypto services by 2026, signaling increased institutional confidence in digital assets in Europe's largest economy. In Italy, UniCredit, an $800 billion banking giant, announced it will offer European clients access to BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF through a newly structured product, marking a notable entry into crypto investment products.

Additionally, Italy's Banking Group Sella is reportedly testing stablecoin custody services, indicating further crypto adoption in the Italian banking sector. On the crypto infrastructure front, Anchorage Digital and Jito Labs have partnered to launch the first federally chartered crypto-native bank in the United States, designed specifically for digital assets. Ripple has entered into a partnership with OpenPayd to enhance its RLUSD stablecoin and real-time payment infrastructure, aiming to support compliant global transactions. Swiss-regulated AMINA Bank became the first bank globally to support Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, providing custody and trading services to institutional clients. BitMEX has become the first exchange to accept RLUSD as margin on its derivatives trading platform. In Japan, Minna Bank is collaborating with Fireblocks, Solana Japan, and TIS Inc. to explore the use of stablecoins and Web3 wallets for everyday payments, marking a step toward real-world crypto adoption in the country.

A joint venture named Allunity, involving Deutsche Bank’s asset management arm DWS, Galaxy Digital, and Flow Traders, has been granted an electronic money institution (EMI) license by Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) as of July 1, 2025. This approval allows the launch of EURAU, a euro-backed stablecoin fully compliant with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. The project marks the first instance of a euro-pegged stablecoin receiving regulatory authorization in Germany, emphasizing transparency and institutional-grade compliance.

The European Commission has proposed relaxing securitisation regulations within the European Union to revive the market, free up bank capital, and boost lending to the economy. The move aims to stimulate investment and improve corporate financing by simplifying reporting requirements while maintaining safeguards to prevent a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis. The proposal includes easing Basel requirements related to the securitisation of debt, allowing investors greater access to debt products. Despite these efforts, some sectors, such as the German banking industry, had hoped for more extensive reforms. The initiative reflects Brussels' intent to unlock funds for financing businesses and invigorate the EU's financial markets, which have been constrained by stringent post-crisis rules.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU's lending arm, has tripled its financing scheme for the bloc's defense industry to 3 billion euros ($3.43 billion). The EIB has also signed an agreement with Germany's Deutsche Bank to facilitate the distribution of these funds to European military firms, aiming to strengthen the EU's defense sector amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine. Concurrently, the European Union is advancing its ambitions in nuclear energy as part of its 2050 climate neutrality goals. A German start-up has secured a record investment of 130 million euros to develop fusion energy technology, positioning Europe to become a leader in clean power. However, the EU faces substantial funding challenges, with draft plans indicating a need for 241 billion euros in investment in nuclear energy infrastructure by 2050. Additionally, scientists have identified a mineral deposit valued at approximately 165 billion euros that could be critical for the green energy transition.

Eurostar has announced plans to launch direct high-speed train services from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, with operations expected to begin in the early 2030s. The new routes are intended to connect the UK capital with major European financial centers and address demand for sustainable travel.

The expansion will be supported by the purchase of up to 50 new trains, representing an investment of approximately €2 billion (£1.7 billion) and increasing Eurostar's fleet by 30% to a total of 67 trains, including 17 existing e320s. Journey times are projected to be about five hours from London to Frankfurt and five hours and 20 minutes from London to Geneva. Eurostar also plans direct services from Amsterdam and Brussels to Geneva. Proposed frequencies are four trains per day to Frankfurt and three per day to Geneva, with Cologne mentioned as a possible stop.

Read more

Deutsche Bank is actively exploring the development and issuance of stablecoins and various forms of tokenized deposits, according to multiple reports citing Bloomberg. The German banking giant, which manages approximately $1.5 trillion in assets, is considering issuing its own euro-denominated stablecoin or participating in an industry-wide initiative. This move reflects a broader trend among traditional financial institutions to deepen their engagement with digital assets and blockchain technology. Deutsche Bank is also reportedly working on its own Ethereum Layer 2 solution, which could support its digital asset initiatives. The exploration of tokenized deposits aims to enhance payment systems and streamline financial operations. This development positions Deutsche Bank among major financial institutions advancing into the crypto space amid increasing regulatory clarity and adoption of digital currencies worldwide.

German Bundestag President Bärbel Bas has called for action against what she described as "mafiöse Strukturen" (mafia-like structures) among recipients of Bürgergeld, a social welfare payment. Bas advocates for dismantling these networks to ensure the integrity of the welfare system. In parallel, Berlin is working to close legal loopholes related to an illegal money transfer system known as "Hawala-Banking," which facilitates quick transfers of money without formal banking channels. These measures are part of broader efforts to combat organized crime and improve oversight of financial transactions within social welfare programs.

Berlin has formally presented its bid to host a future Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the possibility of marking the 100th anniversary of the 1936 Olympics. The bid, titled "Berlin+", is supported by Brandenburg, Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Schleswig-Holstein, and proposes events across these regions. The concept was presented on May 27 at Berlin's Olympiastadion, the site of the 1936 Games where Jesse Owens won four gold medals.

Read more

German long-distance rail operator FlixTrain has placed a major order for 65 new trains, signaling a significant expansion of its fleet and network. The company, based in Munich, announced multi-billion euro investments in its high-speed train offerings, with contracts awarded to Spanish manufacturer Talgo and Siemens. Talgo secured a €2.4 billion contract to deliver 65 trains, including an initial batch of 30 trainsets, and will also handle maintenance for 15 years. This move positions FlixTrain as a growing competitor to Deutsche Bahn, which is simultaneously working to simplify international train ticket bookings across Europe through integrated ticket purchasing. Deutsche Bahn is also revising its cancellation fee policy for Flexpreis tickets, planning to eliminate the €10 fee for cancellations made more than eight days before travel starting mid-June, aiming to attract more customers amid increasing competition.

The European Union has confirmed it will delay the implementation of the Basel III regulations concerning market risk for banks until 2027. This marks the second postponement of these rules, which impose tougher capital requirements on banks' trading activities. The delay reflects concerns within the EU about maintaining the competitiveness of its banking sector amid evolving global regulatory landscapes. The decision to defer the application of these rules was reported by multiple sources, indicating a one-year extension beyond the previously scheduled enforcement date.

Deutsche Bank has raised its gold price forecast, predicting that gold could reach $3,350 per ounce by year-end 2025, driven by increased central bank buying, ETF inflows, and safe-haven demand. The bank remains bullish on gold, citing a strong case for further price increases, with projections suggesting that prices could exceed $3,700 by 2026. This outlook is supported by a recent report that discusses the impact of economic and geopolitical developments on gold prices, reinforcing a robust bullish sentiment despite current market conditions. Bank of America also anticipates that fund flows into gold will continue to accelerate throughout 2025.

Deutsche Bank has issued a warning about a potential crisis of confidence in the U.S. dollar, attributing this risk to President Donald Trump's trade policies. The bank's analysts, including George Saravelos, expressed concerns that a new tariff regime could prompt investors to divest from U.S. assets that have been accumulated over the past decade. This warning highlights the vulnerabilities in the dollar's standing amidst ongoing trade tensions and suggests that a lack of confidence could destabilize the currency's value in global markets.

Deutsche Bank Chairman Alexander Wynaendts announced that Germany is set to receive €1 trillion in additional funding, which will be virtually cost-free, following a positive reaction from bond markets to the country's new spending bill. Wynaendts described the spending plans as 'truly historic' and projected that they would contribute approximately 1% to 1.5% growth to the German economy.

Deutsche Bank has shifted its investment strategy, now favoring European bank stocks and downgrading its stance on European real estate to neutral. This marks a notable change as it has been 25 years since European stocks outperformed U.S. counterparts in such a manner. Deutsche Bank's strategists believe there is more upside potential in European stocks following recent elections in Germany.

Concurrently, HSBC has downgraded U.S. stocks to underweight, with strategist Max Kettner expressing concerns over potential weaknesses in U.S. economic data and ongoing tariff uncertainties. Kettner indicated that the market sentiment has shifted, moving away from a 'Goldilocks' scenario, which previously suggested balanced growth.

Deutsche Bank has expressed a positive outlook for European stocks, particularly following recent developments in Germany. The bank maintains a preference for European equities, forecasting that the economic growth in the Euro Area will converge with and potentially surpass that of the United States by the end of 2026. This projection is expected to drive further outperformance for European equities. Additionally, Danske Bank has retained an overweight position in stocks in anticipation of upcoming tariffs, indicating a bullish sentiment in the European market.

Germany's industrial sector is facing a wave of layoffs, with major companies such as Volkswagen, Thyssenkrupp, DHL, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Audi, Deutsche Bahn, and Siemens announcing significant job cuts. The ongoing economic challenges, including high energy prices and weak demand, are contributing to this trend. Projections indicate that up to 140,000 jobs could be lost by 2035 as industries struggle to adapt to global competition. Meanwhile, in India, the government has stated that quashing Volkswagen's $1.4 billion tax bill would have 'catastrophic consequences,' arguing it would encourage companies to withhold information and delay inquiries.

Deutsche Bank is facing a lawsuit from a former employee who is seeking approximately €152 million in damages. The plaintiff, a top manager from the bank's asset and wealth management division, claims that his career was harmed due to criminal proceedings in Italy related to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA. The lawsuit, which amounts to about $165 million, highlights issues surrounding the bank's reputation and the impact of legal proceedings on employee careers. Additionally, Deutsche Bank's compensation structure has come under scrutiny, with reports indicating that the bank plans to increase its spending on executive salaries by around €10 million in 2024, despite a decline in profits. This situation reflects broader trends in executive compensation within the banking sector, where some employees are reportedly earning bonuses that could be nearly double the CEO's salary.

Deutsche Bank is reviewing its presence at Canary Wharf, a financial district in London, as it faces ongoing challenges in the commercial real estate market. The bank has noted that weaknesses in this sector are particularly evident in the U.S., where leasing activity is declining and vacancy rates are higher compared to Europe. Reports indicate that Deutsche Bank may vacate its Canary Wharf location, which it has occupied for nearly a decade, when its lease expires in 2028. This review comes amid broader economic concerns, including an unexpected contraction in the UK economy.

Deutsche Bank has increased its bonus pool to €2.5 billion, the largest in a decade, despite a reported decline in profits. The bank's CEO, Christian Sewing, is set to earn €1 million more than in previous years, while one employee is expected to receive between €17 million and €18 million, nearly double the CEO's pay. This surge in bonuses comes amid a broader trend of rising compensation for executives at European banks, driven by a boom in trading and dealmaking. Meanwhile, private credit firms are expanding their restructuring teams in response to a surge in bankruptcies, with compensation for restructuring professionals ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million. The demand for private credit investments remains strong, although a new ETF from State Street and Apollo has faced muted interest from investors and scrutiny from regulators.