For German banks, lack of profitability means two things in particular in the medium term. One, owners and investors have to prepare for lower returns in the long run. Given a lack of profitability, cost structures have to be come under scrutiny and business models have to be adapted. And if there are no earnings, there is no basis for staying in business.
Market exits should therefore not be a taboo subject. 4. The European banking union  Ladies and gentlemen, the situation in the financial markets has unquestionably calmed down compared to 2012. However, we must not let this divert our attention from the structural problems besetting the banking sector.