According to a quarterly survey of 34 banks conducted by the Bundesbank, German banks tightened their credit standards and lending terms and conditions further in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. At the same time, there was considerable growth in enterprises’ demand for loans in the first quarter of 2020.

What are the requirements that a digital euro needs to meet? This is a question explored in the latest edition of the Bundesbank’s Monthly Report. After outlining the opportunities and risks presented by digital money, the Bank’s experts conclude that any solutions will need to be well-designed, secure and convenient.

How will cash be used in the future? A recent Bundesbank study has investigated this question, outlining three different scenarios for cash payments in 2037. The study provides an idea of the social and economic environment in which cash will be embedded in the future.

German banks tightened their credit standards and lending conditions again in the second quarter of 2020. While there was a sharp rise in demand for loans to enterprises, demand for loans for house purchase fell for the first time since 2017. This is shown by the results of a survey of German banks’ lending, which is conducted four times a year.

The Bundesbank posted a profit of €5.8 billion for the 2019 financial year. Following adjustment of the reserves, the Bank registered its highest distributable profit since 2008, at €5.9 billion. “Lower risk provisioning is the main reason for this strong rise in the profit for the year,” Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann explained.