| Commerzbank AG | |
| Type: | Public (Aktiengesellschaft) |
| Industry: | Financial services |
| Founded: | in Hamburg |
| Founders: | Theodor Wille et al. |
| Hq Location: | Commerzbank Tower |
| Hq Location City: | Frankfurt am Main |
| Hq Location Country: | Germany |
| Num Locations: | 15 operational foreign branches and 27 representative offices in over 40 countries |
| Num Locations Year: | 2023 |
| Area Served: | Worldwide |
| Revenue: | €10.5 billion |
| Revenue Year: | 2023 |
| Profit: | €2.2 billion |
| Profit Year: | 2023 |
| Assets: | €517.2 billion |
| Assets Year: | 2023 |
| Equity: | €33 billion |
| Equity Year: | 2023 |
| Num Employees: | 42,098 |
| Num Employees Year: | 2023 |
| Ratio: | 14.7% (2023) |
| Footnotes: | Commerzbank Investor Relations |
The Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft (shortly known as Commerzbank AG or Commerzbank) is a European banking institution headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany. It offers services to private and entrepreneurial customers as well as corporate clients.[1] The Commerzbank Group also includes the German brand Comdirect Bank and the Polish subsidiary mBank.
As one of the oldest banks in Germany,[2] Commerzbank plays a significant role in the country's economy.[3] It is the largest financier of German foreign trade, with strong ties to the German 'Mittelstand.' In addition, it maintains a presence in all major economic and financial centers worldwide. Since its establishment in 1870, Commerzbank has undergone several changes.[4] It was the first German banking institution to open an operational branch in New York City in 1971.
Another milestone was the acquisition of Dresdner Bank in 2009. In the wake of the global economic and financial crisis, the Federal Republic of Germany became a major shareholder in the company. To this day, the government remains a significant bank shareholder, which is listed on the DAX.[5] In recent years, the bank has undergone considerable transformation, returning to profitability, partly through substantial cost reductions and the evolution of its business model.[6] [7]
On February 26, 1870,, a merchant successful in South American trade, together with other trading houses and private bankers in Hamburg, founded the Commerz- und Diskonto-Bank.[8] The goal was to provide financial resources to Hamburg's trade and facilitate international commerce.[9] They also established the subsidiary London and Hanseatic Bank in London. The bank expanded and had branches in Berlin and Frankfurt am Main. After several mergers and acquisitions, it evolved into a major national bank with over 280 branches in Germany.
After the hyperinflation in 1924, German banking institutions were required to present a Goldmark opening balance sheet. The Commerz- und Privat-Bank valued its capital of 700 million Marks at 42 million Goldmarks. In the following years, the economic situation improved. In 1927, the bank opened a foreign representation in New York City and continued its expansion. In 1929, it merged with Mitteldeutsche Creditbank from Frankfurt am Main to extend its branch network in Hesse and Thuringia.
In 1931, several banks, including the Commerz- und Privat-Bank, faced difficulties during the currency and banking crisis. In February 1932, the Reich government merged the Commerz- und Privat-Bank with the and partially nationalized it to stabilize the institution. The bank was 70 percent controlled by the Reich and the state-owned Golddiskontbank.[10] Its shares were sold back to private shareholders in 1937.
During the Nazi dictatorship, the bank adapted to the political imperative without pursuing excessive expansion. In November 1932, the Commerz- und Privatbank chief executive Friedrich Reinhart and chairman Franz Heinrich Witthoefft were among the signatories of the Industrielleneingabe petition of business leaders that advised president Paul von Hindenburg to appoint Adolf Hitler as chancellor. After the seizure of power, Jewish members of the supervisory board and executive board were ousted. From 1938, the bank no longer employed Jewish staff.[11]
The bank also participated in the 'Aryanization' of companies by brokering them to other interested parties to maintain business relationships. There may have been around 1,000 such mediations. From November 25, 1941, all banks were obliged to report the assets of emigrated, deported, and deceased Jews to the German Reich.
In 1940, the bank changed its name to Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft. During World War II, it opened branches and subsidiaries in occupied countries and took over the Dutch bank Hugo Kaufmann. This expansion served economic interests. Shortly before the end of the war, the bank moved its central administration from Berlin to Hamburg for security reasons.
With the end of World War II in 1945 and the division of Germany into four occupation zones, the Commerzbank lost its branches and subsidiaries in the Soviet occupation zone and East Berlin. Nearly 45 percent of the branches there were closed and expropriated without compensation. Large banks were dismantled in the Western occupation zones, and their business activities were limited to one occupation zone. In 1947, by order of the American military government, Commerzbank was split into nine regional successor institutions.[12]
Normal business operations were practically impossible as trust in the Reichsmark declined. The and the introduction of the Deutsche Mark marked a new beginning for Commerzbank. In 1949, the Allies and the Berlin Magistrate resumed banking operations in West Berlin. In 1952, the West German regional groups merged into three successor institutions. This led to the formation of the Commerz- und Disconto-Bank in Hamburg, the Bankverein Westdeutschland in Düsseldorf, and the Commerz- und Credit-Bank in Frankfurt am Main. In 1956, the legal situation allowed the merger of these institutions into Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft. This merger was completed in October 1958, effective from July 1, 1958, with the Düsseldorf Commerzbank-Bankverein acquiring the two sister institutions. The newly founded banking institution was registered under its traditional name in the Düsseldorf commercial register on November 4, 1958.
From 1958, banks were allowed to open branches without official review, which Commerzbank utilized. By 1962, it had surpassed its pre-war level with 372 branches. Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and Dresdner Bank introduced the 'small loan for everyone' in 1959. Additionally, Commerzbank entered the private customer home financing market in 1968. In 1969, Commerzbank recorded more than one million private customers for the first time.
The 1950s and 1960s also marked the beginning of the financial sector's internationalization. Commerzbank was particularly active in this area. Its shares were the first German financial institution listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 1952, it opened its representation in Rio de Janeiro. Further locations followed, including Madrid (1953), Amsterdam (1955), Beirut (1957), Johannesburg (1958), Tokyo (1961), and New York City (1967).
The 1970s and 1980s were characterized by international cooperation and global expansion. Commerzbank participated in numerous new ventures and equity investments abroad. In 1970, it collaborated with Crédit Lyonnais, which other banks from various European countries joined.[13] In this context, Commerzbank introduced the 'Quatre Vents' logo in 1972, which it used until mid-2010.
In the 1970s, Eurocheques were introduced. Customers could now withdraw cash in 30 European countries using a cheque card. The Eurocheque card with a magnetic strip for ATMs was introduced in 1981.
In 1970, Commerzbank founded the non-profit Commerzbank Foundation. As an independent foundation of civil law, it aims to promote and support the social commitment of Commerzbank. The focus areas are science, culture, and social welfare. The Commerzbank Foundation supports disadvantaged people, such as in their professional integration, and promotes contemporary art.
In the early 1980s, Commerzbank faced a crisis due to mistakes in assessing interest rate developments. The good economic conditions later favored the restructuring under the leadership of Walter Seipp.[14]
In 1990, Commerzbank moved its registered office from Düsseldorf to Frankfurt am Main. The German reunification allowed Commerzbank to tap into new target groups; in the first three months after the, around 80,000 customers and thousands of corporate clients chose the bank.[15] [16] Klaus-Peter Müller, appointed to the board in 1990, led the department responsible for preparing business in the new federal states.
The bank's engagement in the East developed into a crucial advantage. Alongside expansion in the domestic market, Commerzbank continued its internationalization, such as by opening an office in Bangkok.[17] Later, Commerzbank became the first international financial institution to open a branch in South Africa. Commerzbank established its management consultancy to meet the demand for professional support.[18]
In the early 1990s, Commerzbank significantly increased its earnings.[19] However, the stock price remained comparatively low, leading to cost reductions and job cuts.[20] [21] This further improved the profit situation.[22] Commerzbank then promised its shareholders a higher dividend.[23]
In 1991, a cross-border collaboration with the French Crédit Lyonnais was announced, seen as a signal for consolidation in the European financial industry.[24] Two years later, a tri-national cooperation was established between the German Commerzbank, the British National Westminster Bank, and the French Société Générale.[25]
In 1994, Commerzbank founded Comdirect Bank, becoming the first major German bank to enter the emerging direct banking market.[26] 1999, Commerzbank also sold computers to facilitate customers' access to online banking. The branch network was also upgraded with digital technologies.
At that time, the bank earned around two-thirds of its income abroad, for example, through its new representation in Taipei and expansions in Hungary and the Czech Republic. However, CEO still demanded more performance, especially from the sales of domestic branches. Commerzbank aimed to significantly increase its return on equity in the second half of the 1990s to remain competitive internationally.
Due to its comparatively low balance sheet total internationally, Commerzbank was seen as a takeover candidate in the 1990s.[27] [28] The board pursued an independent continuation of the business,[29] [30] interpreted as rejecting a merger with Deutsche Bank.[31] Also, a potential acquisition of Postbank by Commerzbank, which was discussed at times and would have led to a financial conglomerate with a building society and insurance, ultimately did not materialize.[32] [33]
The bank managed to increase its customer base significantly.[34] With fewer branches, it generated more profit.[35] At the same time, innovative new services were created, such as cash withdrawal at gas stations and online banking for corporate customers.[36] [37] [38] The public critically received the outsourcing of employees to a temporary employment agency.[39]
After acquiring stakes in numerous foreign banks and insurance companies during the 1990s, Commerzbank bought around 30 percent of the Korea Exchange Bank in 1998 to more actively participate in developing emerging Asian markets.[40] [41] Despite the continent's financial market problems, the bank saw opportunities for above-average growth.[42] Alongside international expansion, Commerzbank focused on strengthening its European presence,[43] mainly through alliances with other large banks.[44] [45]
Commerzbank suffered reversals in a disastrous foray into investment banking in the first half decade of the 2000s and eventually shut down its Commerzbank Securities investment banking unit run by Mehmet Dalman and Roman Schmidt after Chairman Klaus-Peter Müller labelled it a "problem child" and a review by consulting firm Mercer Oliver Wyman which concluded that Commerzbank Securities lacked a viable business model.[46] [47] [48] [49] What was left of Commerzbank Securities was folded into a division of the commercial bank called Corporates and Markets.[50]
In 2001, Commerzbank restructured its domestic business. It created a bank for private customers and a separate unit for corporate and investment clients. Units were sometimes opened on Saturdays to remain competitive in the increasingly challenging private customer market.
In 2004, it confirmed the acquisition of based in Hof, gaining 70 branches and 29 other locations in Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony, increasing its private customer base by 360,000 to 4.3 million.[51] The transaction was seen as rejecting a merger with the Bavarian HypoVereinsbank.[52]
In addition to digital activities and growth in the domestic market, especially among corporate clients,[53] Commerzbank explored various acquisitions in Central and Eastern Europe. With the majority takeover of Poland's BRE Bank (today's mBank) in 2003, it significantly expanded its regional engagement.[54] Moreover, Commerzbank grew in smaller markets, such as in Romania.[55] Revenues from Central and Eastern Europe were expected to grow significantly.[56] Furthermore, Commerzbank relocated back-office activities, such as IT systems, to Poland and the Czech Republic.[57]
In 2001, the three major Frankfurt banks, Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank, and Commerzbank, decided to establish a joint mortgage bank.[58] Eurohypo commenced its business operations in the second half of 2002.[59] Following the dot-com bubble's collapse and subsequent turmoil in financial markets, Commerzbank had to make significant write-downs on its stake as early as 2003.[60] For a time, the major shareholders even waived their dividends to improve the financing of Eurohypo.[61] Eurohypo distanced itself from Commerzbank.[62] An initial public offering (IPO) was initially discussed to strengthen the company's independence.[63]
Despite initial challenges, Eurohypo became an important component in Commerzbank's earnings statement.[64] Therefore, the bank stopped the IPO planned 2005 to prepare for its takeover of Eurohypo.[65] [66] The re-entry into public and real estate financing marked a significant change in the company's strategy.[67] Eurohypo initially insisted on its independence.[68] [69]
In November 2005, Commerzbank finally announced the complete takeover of Eurohypo after agreeing on terms for acquiring shares from Deutsche Bank and Dresdner Bank.[70] This step elevated Commerzbank to the second-largest bank in Germany.[71] Observers described the surprising acquisition as a strategic coup,[72] [73] especially in competition with domestic rivals.[74] To finance the acquisition, the bank conducted a capital increase.[75] Even after the takeover, Eurohypo remained largely independent.[76] The real estate business became an essential pillar of the group.[77]
As early as the early 2000s, there were rumors about a merger of Commerzbank with another major European financial institution. After the failed merger of Deutsche Bank with Dresdner Bank, Commerzbank was considered the most likely candidate for acquiring Dresdner Bank.[78] Such discussions started around June 2000.[79] [80] [81] The possibilities discussed included the formation of a large financial conglomerate, possibly involving Allianz.[82]
Trade unions viewed the merger of Commerzbank and Dresdner Bank critically in light of potential job cuts,[83] as did the investment company Cobra, which held stakes in both financial institutions.[84] [85] On the other hand, Generali, the Italian finance and insurance conglomerate and another major shareholder of Commerzbank, explicitly expressed positive views on the plans.[86]
Ultimately, the plans failed because it was impossible to bring together the different interests of all parties into a familiar concept.[87] [88] A critical factor was also the conflict over the valuation of Commerzbank and Dresdner Bank.[89] Additionally, a cross-border merger was considered more sensible.[90] Both banks emphasized their independence.[91] [92]
In the context of the global economic and financial crisis, there were renewed speculations in 2008 about the merger of Commerzbank with other banks. Initially, there was also talk of a large merger involving Commerzbank, Dresdner Bank, and Postbank.[93] By mid-year, a merger of Commerzbank and Dresdner Bank was likely.[94] [95] In particular, Allianz, as the largest shareholder of Dresdner Bank, expected new momentum for its business from such a merger.[96]
After months of negotiations, the parties finally announced Commerzbank's takeover of Dresdner Bank.[97] This was seen as a milestone in reorganizing the German financial industry.[98] Allianz valued the purchase price at around 9.8 billion euros, assuming loss risks of up to 975 million euros. In the first step, Commerzbank was to acquire about 60 percent of Dresdner Bank, with plans to buy the remaining shares later.[99]
This was the largest merger of two financial institutions in years. Commerzbank and Dresdner Bank both expected to realize millions in synergies.[100] Although Allianz initially rejected renegotiations,[101] the parties agreed to reduce the purchase price to 5.5 billion euros.[102] [103] It was also decided to move the takeover from the second half of 2009 to the beginning of the year.[104]
Analysts and investors criticized the merger of Commerzbank and Dresdner Bank amid the global economic and financial crisis. The transaction significantly affected the stock prices of all involved companies.[105] Due to the credit risks of Dresdner Bank that became apparent at the end of 2008, Commerzbank utilized the Special Fund for Financial Market Stabilization (SoFFin).[106] After the German federal government and the European Commission agreed on the assistance details, Commerzbank received a silent participation of 8.2 billion euros.[107] [108]
Initially, Commerzbank emphasized that the state's participation was necessary due to the devaluation of banks and not specifically because of the takeover of Dresdner Bank.[109] By the end of 2009, this assessment had to be revised. Commerzbank sought additional state aid,[110] leading to the Federal Republic of Germany acquiring over 25 percent of Commerzbank's shares, thereby securing a blocking minority. This was the first partial nationalization of a German financial institution.[111] The silent participation of SoFFin increased to around 16.4 billion euros.[112]
In January 2009, Commerzbank became the sole owner of Dresdner Bank, holding 100 percent of its shares. The merger of Dresdner Bank into Commerzbank was registered in the commercial register in May of the same year. An agreement on balancing interests and a social plan, including a new organizational structure for the headquarters, was reached with the employee representatives. Even after the takeover, the major bank maintained its lending to the struggling German economy to prevent a credit crunch in the mid-market sector.[113] [114]
At the end of March 2009, Commerzbank formed its internal bad bank,[115] [116] called PRU (Portfolio Restructure Unit), into which non-strategically valuable securities worth 15.5 billion euros from Commerzbank and 39.9 billion euros from Dresdner Bank were outsourced. A joint bad bank with the nationalized Hypo Real Estate was sometimes discussed.[117]
The following years were marked by the integration of Dresdner Bank into Commerzbank.[118] The merging of IT platforms, in particular, became a challenge.[119] The "Dresdner Bank" brand was gradually phased out,[120] with the new Commerzbank adopting some aspects of Dresdner Bank's former corporate identity.[121] The rebranding became visible at branches within three weeks.[122] By May 2011, both financial institutions' strategic and operational integration was largely completed. Commerzbank evaluated the process as a success and highlighted the positive response from all relevant target groups.[123] [124] [125]
In 2011, Commerzbank began repaying the silent participation of SoFFin.[126] One of the most significant capital increases in German history partly financed this:[127] a total volume of 14 billion euros, comprising 11 billion from investors and 3 billion from the bank's reserves.[128] Despite criticism, the general meeting approved the measure.[129] [130]
As a result of the financial crisis and partial nationalization, the bank lost public trust. At the end of 2012, the bank launched an advertising campaign in which it openly admitted past mistakes and positioned itself as a fair and competent financial service provider. This was met with criticism in the industry.[131]
The Greek debt crisis and its global impact unexpectedly heavily affected Commerzbank's profitability.[132] The bank responded with a radical austerity program,[133] [134] which included limiting credit outside Germany and Poland.[135] By selling Cominvest to Allianz, Commerzbank no longer owned its own fund company.[136]
Additionally, Eurohypo was to be sold or split up.[137] [138] Write-downs on government bonds and real estate loans continuously led to losses,[139] [140] making the company no longer viable.[141] Therefore, in 2012, the bank ultimately decided on a wind-down, accepting further losses in the accelerated reduction of its portfolio.[142] [143]
The decade following the takeover and integration of Dresdner Bank brought further profound changes for Commerzbank caused by the digitalization of all areas of public life. In response, Martin Zielke, who became CEO in 2016, announced a radical restructuring.[144] [145] Commerzbank mainly aimed to strengthen its private and corporate customer business in Germany further. The focus was now on a profitable multi-channel bank. To this end, the bank maintained its branch network while many other banks reduced their local presence. Additionally, the thriving business with medium-sized corporate customers was to continue unhindered.[146]
In 2019, there were concrete talks between Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank about a merger.[147] However, after a thorough examination, the boards of both banks needed more added value, so the merger ultimately did not happen.[148] The cancellation led to further disagreements with major shareholders over Commerzbank's strategic direction.[149] These were the reasons for the joint resignation of the Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board in the summer of 2020.[150]
In January 2021, took over as Chairman of the Board of Commerzbank. Under his leadership, the board focused on profitability, customer orientation, sustainability, and digitalization.[151] Based on Commerzbank's advisory expertise and Comdirect's digital competence, the business model of a digital advisory bank was established.[152] The concept of the multi-channel bank was further developed to create equal access for customers online and offline.[153] An example of this is the newly introduced nationwide advisory centers.[154] [155]
Costs were massively reduced to maintain Commerzbank's independence and cushion risks from inflation and interest rate developments.[156] By early 2023, around 10,000 full-time positions were cut, and about half of all branches in Germany were closed.[157]
In the financial year 2022, the bank reported its best result in over ten years and was pleased to rejoin the German leading index, DAX, in 2023.[158] [159] Observers attributed the good results partly to the increased central bank base rates. The development of the corporate customer business was also highlighted.[160] German economic media spoke of a "turnaround" for Commerzbank after the financial crisis. The bank continued the positive development in the financial year 2023 and further increased its profit. It was the best result in 15 years.[161]
For the financial year 2022, Commerzbank distributed 30 percent of its profit to shareholders.[162] It was the first distribution since 2018. In addition to paying a dividend of 20 cents per share, the bank conducted the first share buyback in its history in June 2023, with a volume of 122 million euros.[163] For the financial year 2023 the bank targets to distribute 50 percent of the profit to shareholders, consisting of another share buyback with a volume of 600 million euros and a planned dividend payment. Based on its capital return policy the bank aims to increase the pay-out ratio to at least 70 percent for the financial year 2024, but not more than the net result. This would also benefit the Federal Republic of Germany's Finance Agency as the largest single shareholder.
Commerzbank is a German public limited company (Aktiengesellschaft).[164] Its business purpose includes the 'operation of banking and financial services of all kinds.'
Commerzbank is listed by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) as a CRR credit institution.[165] Since the introduction of European banking supervision, it has been monitored by the European Central Bank (ECB). Commerzbank is currently not classified as a globally systemically important financial institution.[166]
The bank's share capital is divided into approximately 1.25 billion bearer shares with a nominal value of one euro each. The shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and through the Xetra trading venue and are listed in the DAX.[167] According to its articles of association, Commerzbank's annual general meeting takes place at the company's headquarters, at another German stock exchange location, or in a German city with more than 250,000 inhabitants. Due to the global coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the bank successfully held digital meetings, like many other companies.[168]
The consolidated financial statements include all companies in which Commerzbank is directly or indirectly involved. The most important domestic subsidiary is the fully owned subsidiary .[169] Internationally, there are four major subsidiaries, including the Polish mBank.[170] Other participations include the advertising agency Neugelb Studios and the innovation unit Neosfer, which strategically invests in fintechs, among other things.[171] [172] Additionally, Commerzbank participates in young companies related to the financial sector through venture capital funds.
Former chief executives include Klaus-Peter Müller, Martin Blessing, and Martin Zielke.
The Supervisory Board advises the management and supervises the conduct of its business. It is made up of equal numbers of representatives of the shareholders. The Supervisory Board has 20 members; its Chairman is Jens Weidmann,[174] his deputy is Uwe Tschäge.
Former chairs include Klaus-Peter Müller and Stefan Schmittmann.
With a stake of over 15 percent, the Federal Republic of Germany, through the Special Fund for Financial Market Stabilization (SoFFin), is the largest single shareholder.[175] The remaining approximately 85 percent are in free float. Blackrock and Norges hold over 5 percent and over 3 percent in Commerzbank, respectively. Other institutional investors together account for around 52 percent. About 25 percent of Commerzbank shares are owned by private investors (as of February 2024).
Commerzbank is a member of the Association of German Banks (BdB) and the Employers' Association of Private Banking (AGV Banken). It is also active in the (BVMW), the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany (AmCham), the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa), the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA), and the Africa Association of German Business (AV).
Commerzbank is a member of the Economic Advisory Board of CDU/CSU and the Economic Forum of the SPD. It maintains contact with all democratic parties in Germany.[176]
Commerzbank is one of the market leaders for private and entrepreneurial customers in Germany. It offers a wide range of products for payment transactions, securities trading, investment and financing, and corresponding advice through various channels (online and offline).[177] With its 'free checking account', the bank secured many customers.[178] This offer continues to this day. Real estate and corporate loans are realized in partnership with the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).[179] [180]
Commerzbank offers corporate clients a variety of financial products and services. These include traditional products such as accounts, loans, and payment transactions. In addition, the bank supports companies in structuring capital measures,[181] such as issuing shares and bonds.
Another crucial area is international business. The bank provides services for German and international companies. Examples include foreign exchange businesses and solutions for risk management. Commerzbank finances around one-third of German foreign trade, making it a leader among the major German banks.
With around 400 branches, Commerzbank operates a nationwide branch network in Germany. It includes both larger and smaller locations, offering a diversified range of services.
The headquarters and major staff departments of the group are located in the Commerzbank Tower, Frankfurt am Main.[182] Additionally, there is a representative office at Pariser Platz in Berlin and a liaison office in Brussels.[183]
There are also other international locations, such as New York City and Singapore.
Early logos of Commerzbank featured the abbreviations CDB and CPB. From the 1920s, these were incorporated into the corporate image. In 1940, a logo with a 'C' and Mercury wings was introduced.[184] This was followed in 1972 by the 'Quatre Vents' logo, inspired by a wind rose.
After the takeover of Dresdner Bank in 2009, Commerzbank presented a new logo with the name in a new font, the color yellow, and a three-dimensional ribbon.[185] [186]
The Waldstadion had been named 'Commerzbank Arena.'[187] [188] Since 2008, Commerzbank has been a partner of the German Football Association (DFB).[189] Until 2021, the bank was a partner of the men's national team, but has focused on the women's national team since then. Commerzbank produced an advertising campaign for the 2019 Women's World Cup with the national team, which gained high attention nationally and internationally.[190] [191]
Commerzbank supports the goal defined in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to less than two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.[192] The bank signed the United Nations Global Compact in 2006 and was among the first signatories of the Principles for Responsible Banking developed in 2019.[193]
In the 1980s, Commerzbank began financing projects in renewable energy. Over the years, this commitment was progressively expanded. In addition, Commerzbank issues sustainable bonds, known as Green Bonds.[194] [195] By June 2022, Commerzbank had issued three Green Bonds totaling 1.5 billion euros.
In 2016, Commerzbank adopted a binding policy on coal financing. This policy was further developed in 2022 into a guideline for transactions and customer relationships related to fossil fuels, now regulating business and relationships involving coal, oil, and gas. The policy sets explicit exclusions and restrictions.
Commerzbank relies on the scientific findings and methods of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to steer its portfolios towards carbon neutrality, which the bank joined in 2022.[196] In 2023, the interim reduction targets for 2030 were validated, making Commerzbank the first German bank with the corresponding certification.
On a national level, Commerzbank supports the (DNK) and has signed the climate agreement of the German financial sector. The bank has established an operational environmental management system to reduce direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2013, only electricity from renewable sources has been used in Germany.
In 2012, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (FRB), which regulates foreign banking operations in the United States, required Commerzbank and its New York branch to rectify deficiencies in their compliance program and anti-money laundering processes. The enforcement actions have since been lifted.[197] [198]
US authorities accused Commerzbank of violating sanctions in its business dealings with partners in countries such as Iran, Sudan, North Korea, Myanmar and Cuba.[199] In 2015, this led to a billion-dollar fine to be paid by the Commerzbank. Reasons included deficiencies in anti-money laundering measures revealed concerning fraud involving the Japanese Olympus Corporation.[200] [201]
In February 2015, tax investigators and prosecutors searched Commerzbank's headquarters on suspicion of aiding and abetting tax evasion related to its Luxembourg subsidiary Commerzbank International and the Panamanian legal service firm Mossack Fonseca.[202]
In 2016, a research consortium published an analysis of cum-cum transactions involving Commerzbank.[203] That same year, the bank decided to stop conducting tax-motivated cum-cum transactions, as they were no longer socially acceptable.[204] In 2017, investigations by the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor's Office and in 2019 by the Cologne Public Prosecutor's Office were disclosed in connection with cum-ex transactions.[205] [206] [207]
In June 2020, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) imposed a fine of 38 million pounds (42 million euros) on Commerzbank for failing to combat money laundering again. According to the authority, Commerzbank could not take adequate steps to address the deficiencies.[208]