It is in the interests of financial intermediaries to be more aware of how sustainability factors can affect their activities: it would make it easier for them to take into account the corresponding risks in their strategies and governance, thereby helping to improve performance. Central banks and supervisory authorities are working towards making the 5  financial system ready to face this transition.
The world economy picked up considerably and the German economy in particular made an unexpectedly strong recovery from the stresses and strains of the financial crisis. Growth expectations from the beginning of 2010 were clearly outperformed during the course of the year. With GDP growth at 3.6%, Germany was able to make up a good portion of the 4.7% slump of 2009.