A Banking System Under Pressure: What It Means for You
Following the financial crisis and the bankruptcy of the American investment bank Lehman Brothers, regulatory authorities have tightened the rules for banks. In Europe, deposit protection ceilings for savings have been raised from 20,000 € to 100,000 € to reassure savers, and institutions are regularly subjected to stress tests and capital requirements.
At the same time, Europe has been working towards a deeper banking union to strengthen solidarity among institutions in times of difficulty. Yet, despite these efforts, many customers still feel that banks are primarily protecting their own interests rather than those of their clients.
For you as a private individual, this context translates into more complex products, sometimes opaque pricing and advisors under commercial pressure. Choosing whom to trust for your investments or mortgage is therefore more strategic than ever in 2026.
Protection of your deposits
European regulation now protects savings deposits up to 100,000 € per person and per institution, a measure designed to reinforce confidence in the banking system.
Learn more on the official authorities’ websites on savings deposit protection .