A well functioning economy requires a stable banking system. Banking supervision is therefore responsible for monitoring credit institutions’ business activity and maintaining investor confidence. In Germany, the task of financial supervision is shared by the Bundesbank and the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). In particular, the Bundesbank is in charge of monitoring the credit institutions.

The branches of the Bundesbank supply the economy with euro banknotes and coins, and offers private customers the opportunity to exchange D-Mark banknotes and coins free-of-charge and with no fixed deadline.

Director General Financial Supervision

In its function as Germany's central bank, the Bundesbank answers enquiries concerning historical German currencies and calculates long-term purchasing power equivalents.

In an interview with FOCUS online, Bundesbank Executive Board member Burkhard Balz explains why the digital euro is necessary and the challenges involved. Our objective as Eurosystem central banks is to launch a pilot operation in mid-2027. As before, we still expect the digital euro to go live in 2029, Mr Balz said.

The G7 is an informal club of seven of the world's most advanced industrial economies (Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom). The Bundesbank has a particular interest in issues concerning the policies pursued by international financial institutions and the stability and integrity of the international financial and monetary system.

The Bundesbank brings its expertise to numerous European and international bodies and organisations in which issues concerning financial stability and the financial and monetary system are analysed and policy measures are coordinated.