Banken: Crédit Agricole will Deutschlandgeschäft stärken – und nimmt auch Zukäufe in den Blick

Französische Großbank Crédit Agricole envisions strong growth in the German market, aiming to double its customer base across all business segments in Germany to two million by the end of 2028. Speaking at a press conference in Frankfurt on Thursday, Crédit Agricole CEO Olivier Gavalda emphasized that Germany is at the heart of the bank's European ambitions.

While Crédit Agricole has been rumored to acquire smaller banks, such as IKB, to enhance its access to German family-owned enterprises, Gavalda did not comment on specific takeover plans during the event. Since taking office in May 2025, Gavalda has prioritized expansion in Europe, with Germany being a particular focus.

Crédit Agricole currently has over one million customers in Germany through its consumer credit subsidiary Creditplus, and the bank plans to consolidate its presence under the "Crédit Agricole Deutschland" brand. The expansion will primarily be digital, with a new account offering featuring a German IBAN, a Visa card, and solutions for wealth management, including term deposits and fixed-term deposits. The bank will also introduce an app for account opening, account management, and access to financial products.

By the end of 2027, Crédit Agricole Deutschland aims to further expand its wealth management offerings. The bank has had hints of economic issues in its German subsidiary Creditplus in 2025, with the bank slipping into operational loss primarily due to rising risk costs. Problems have also emerged with auto dealer loans, which make up about eight percent of the credit portfolio, as well as financing for consumer purchases through trade partners.