ABN Amro increased loan impairment provisions by 285% in 2020, in preparation for the damaging impact of Covid-19.
Western Europe
Latest articles from Western Europe
Testing the water: UK shared bank branch pilots
August 27, 2021The 'hub model', which allows five banks to share one premises, is an example of how branch networks are evolving.
Direct listings: banks still have key role to play
August 25, 2021The success of fintech Wise’s direct listing in the UK in July makes it certain that other companies will follow suit.
Banks and government need to coordinate to recover pandemic loans
August 19, 2021Banks are facing a hangover: after being told to lend money quickly during the Covid-19 pandemic, they now face the challenge of recovering it.
New blood at Sabadell bets big on digital
August 17, 2021The appointment of César González-Bueno as CEO of Spain’s fourth biggest bank highlights the lender’s focus on digital banking.
Norway’s banks in good shape as economic outlook brightens
August 13, 2021The central bank is widely expected to start raising rates at its meeting in September.
UK mulls pros and cons of scrapping bonus cap
August 13, 2021Critics argue that a cap on bankers’ bonuses is ineffective and outdated, but the issue remains controversial.
HAPS underpins improving asset quality at Greek banks
August 11, 2021The NPL ratio at National Bank of Greece and Eurobank Ergasias has dropped sharply in the past few years.
Piraeus proves Greece’s AT1 mettle
August 11, 2021The country’s first additional Tier 1 bond proves its banking sector is investible at all capital tiers.
Solid French banks start to look beyond pandemic
August 10, 2021As Covid-19 support measures are phased out, lenders have the capacity to manage exposures and limit loan losses.