Academic studies of the German banking and savings bank sector have confirmed how important the skillsets of an institution’s supervisory board members are in achieving success.4 2/5  BIS central bankers' speeches  For some commentators, however, the current proposals are a step too far. The relevant associations and politicians have voiced their criticism.
But are the basic principles that underpin the German savings bank landscape really being questioned? To be more specific: What do the European proposals mean for administrative bodies within the savings banks and their members? I would first like to remind you that requirements relating to the specialist skills of administrative board members have long been part of the picture in Germany.