The ECB requires credit institutions to hold compulsory deposits on accounts with the national central banks: these are called “minimum” or “required” reserves. The amount of required reserves that each credit institution has to hold is determined by its reserve base multiplied by a minimum reserve ratio.

The own funds of an institution consist of the sum of its tier 1 capital and tier 2 capital. Tier 1 capital comprises common equity tier 1 capital and additional tier 1 capital.

At the end of 2024, Germany’s net external assets totalled €3,452 billion, thus amounting to around 80 % of the country’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP). Overall, both assets and liabilities vis-à-vis non-residents rose further in 2024.