The Development of Corporate Finance in Germany

In Europe, and especially in Germany, corporate finance is widely viewed as being dominated by banks. With the tightening of bank regulation in recent years there is a danger that access to credit will become more difficult. However, many enterprises have already improved their creditworthiness by increasing their equity capital ratios and by diversifying their short-term funding. While banks will continue to play a major role in providing long-term loans, capital markets are especially suited to equity funding. Overall, German companies are characterised by a robust financing structure, through which they are well-equipped for future investment.