Report to Society 2025

Markets change. The savings bank stays.

We help each other locally. Quality of life, sponsored by the savings bank.

ETFs, shares, funds? Of course, but best with the savings bank.

Enjoying a ‘restless retirement’ stress-free? I can, thanks to my savings bank.

There’s more to do
than I thought. With
the savings bank,
it’ll all work out.

Promoting economic and social participation

Because it’s about more than money.

Environment, economy, society: we are facing major challenges in these areas today in order to create a secure and fair future for all people. Although much is already in motion at a political, economic and social level, we still have a long way to go. The Savings Banks Finance Group is an important player that provides many people and companies with the necessary foundations for a sustainable way of life. The Group companies remained true to this principle last year. They have therefore made a contribution to sustainable, social and equitable development in various areas.

Environmental

When it comes to climate and environmental protection, ideas are needed – and clear signals. The savings banks in Germany have committed themselves to climate and environmentally friendly business practices. And they support companies and people in their host regions with financing and advisory solutions to drive forward the transformation of the economy.

Eine Gruppe von Menschen wandert durch eine grüne Wiese in den Alpen.

Energy from the earth

Hazelnuts for the automotive industry

Staying on track with renewable energy

Investments in battery storage

Social

Sustainable management also means enabling all people to participate in sustainable prosperity and growth. With their sense of social responsibility, their social commitment and their power of integration, the savings banks are helping to ensure that everyone can benefit from the economic transformation.

Kinder spielen in einem Park Tauziehen. Im Hintergrund ist ein Spielplatz zu sehen.

Strengthening education for sustainable development

Improved mobility across the region

Partnership with Chemnitz, European Capital of Culture

Savings Banks honour volunteer coaches

Governance

Good corporate governance is an important guarantee for stable future development. As regional institutions, the savings banks are aware of their special responsibility. Thanks to their decentralised structure and their deep-rooted presence, they are in an excellent position to initiate and support transformation in their sponsor regions.

Mehrere Angestellte besprechen sich an einem Tisch in einer Fabrik.

Start-ups to combat the crisis

Dialogue formats for innovation and the future

S-Neo: Greater participation in the capital market

IT security and resilience in the age of AI

Foreword by Prof Dr Ulrich Reuter, President of the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV)

Supporting change, strengthening participation

We live in a world of increasing uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, a growing backlog of renovation work and the consequences of extreme weather events call for adaptation and substantial investment. Savings banks have been supporting economic and social change for generations. Constant change is part of their DNA. Sustainability remains at the heart of this. For us, this means more than just climate protection. It combines environmental responsibility with economic viability and social inclusion. Change must be financially viable and open up opportunities for many people.

Portrait of Prof. Dr Ulrich Reuter, President of the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV)

Interview with Karolin Schriever, Executive Member of the Board of the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV)

Five questions on sustainability for Karolin Schriever

Karolin Schriever comments on current issues relating to sustainability: the significance of changes to European sustainability regulation and reporting; social sustainability as a particular strength of the savings banks; the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services; the mobilisation of private capital for the transition; and the savings banks’ international commitment to sustainable development.

Portrait of Karolin Schriever, Executive Member of the Board of the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV)

Adapting to climate change

Competition to reduce soil sealing

Out with concrete, in with nature: with the ‘Bodenluft’ competition, the Provinzial Group is taking a stand against soil sealing – for greater climate protection, biodiversity and quality of life.

A concrete surface with cracks through which plants are growing.

International cooperation

Working worldwide for participation and transformation

The German Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation creates new opportunities worldwide, thereby strengthening not only its partner countries but also Germany as a business location.

Four participants in a project run by the Deutsche Sparkassenstiftung discuss climate change. They stand around a table with documents outdoors, with an African landscape in the background.

Research funding

Hydrogen for heavy goods transport

Savings Bank Regensburg is supporting research into hydrogen-based propulsion systems for heavy goods vehicles. A flagship project with an impact extending beyond the region.

A hydrogen-powered lorry travels on a German motorway.