Resolution actions available to authorities and the conditions for applying them.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was conceived at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944, and currently has 190 member countries. Germany joined the Fund in 1952. The overarching aim of the IMF is to promote economic policy cooperation and stability in the international monetary system. Its mandate also covers financial stability issues that have monetary implications.

In the first quarter of 2025, the German net international investment position (i.i.p.) decreased by €51 billion to €3.4 trillion; that equates to 79 % of gross domestic product (GDP). German claims on non-residents now stand at €13.8 trillion. This compares to German liabilities amounting to €10.3 trillion.

Banking supervision in Germany is carried out by the Bundesbank in cooperation with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority and the Federal Ministry of Finance as well as external auditors and audit offices of the banking associations.

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 banking 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.

Anyone wishing to conduct one or more of the banking activities specified in the Banking Act on a commercial scale in Germany requires authorisation from the competent supervisory authority.