The European Banking Federation, uniting banks in Europe
The European Banking Federation is the voice of the European banking sector, representing national banking associations from across the continent. We work at the intersection of banking, policy and regulation to ensure that European banks can compete, innovate and serve their customers in a stable and well-regulated environment. From Brussels, we engage daily with the institutions that shape the rules of European finance.
In Focus: Competitiveness
Europe's competitiveness and future prosperity are at risk without bold reform. As the EU remains a predominantly bank-based financial system, banks are the main source of external financing for households and businesses, and closing Europe's investment gap depends on their capacity to lend. The EBF calls for quick and decisive action to simplify and adjust the regulatory and prudential framework, so that banks and capital markets can increase their contribution to the European economy.
A new independent study by Oliver Wyman, commissioned by the EBF and its members, sizes that gap, identifies the constraints holding banks back, and sets out what needs to change for banks to play a greater role in financing European growth.
In Focus: Digital Fraud
Digital fraud poses a significant threat to European society and economic stability. Criminal networks targeting financial services undermine consumer confidence in banking, deter innovation and investment, and erode the integrity of the digital economy. Banks have a responsibility to protect their own operations, the broader economy and citizens who depend on secure, trustworthy financial services.
EBF calls for quick solutions to close Europe’s Investment Gap
In response to the publication of the EC report on bank competitiveness
On 17 July 2026, the EBF responded to the European Commission's bank competitiveness report, calling for an ambitious banking package that pairs structural reforms with quick, short-term action to close Europe's growing investment gap, now estimated at EUR 1.4 trillion annually. Current rules are limiting banks' capacity to finance strategic sectors such as aerospace and SME lending, and the EBF is urging EU policymakers to swiftly simplify the regulatory and prudential framework so banks can better support Europe's competitiveness.
EBF Responds to EC Consultation on the Competitiveness of the EU Banking Sector
On 19 April 2026, the EBF submitted its response to the EC Consultation on the Competitiveness of the EU Banking Sector, calling for prompt action to close Europe's competitiveness gap ahead of 2030. The response argues that increasing banks' lending capacity is essential to European growth, and identifies fragmented and overlapping capital requirements as the main obstacle. The EBF urges policymakers to reform or remove inefficient rules while preserving effective ones, and to reduce regulatory fragmentation to unlock banks' contribution to EU competitiveness.
The EBF's work and actions are guided by these strategic topics
EBF in numbers
Countries whose national banking associations are represented in the EBF as member or as associate.
Approximate number of people working in the EU banking sector at the end of 2019.
Number of banks in the EU at the end of 2022.
