Insights & Banking-​Trends

What does it take to master the art of modern banking? In this interview, Christoph Prellwitz shares why creativity, courage, and a shift in mindset are becoming essential in an increasingly complex financial world. Discover why thinking beyond risks – and embracing new possibilities – is key to shaping the future of banking.

Stricter expectations around preventing money laundering and terrorist financing are putting AFC risk analysis front and center: it is evolving from a mandatory document into an ongoing, auditable system. The AMLA draft on regulatory technical standards (RTS) for assessing inherent and residual risk profiles requires an automated calculation logic rather than relying purely on expert-based assessment. Kick-off blog series on AMLR/AMLA realignment: Part 1 explains the reasons, rationale and vision behind the realignment.

This blog post explains why internal governance is becoming a decisive competitive factor for banks. It focuses on the integration of ESG risks into business models, lending processes and risk management, the importance of business model analysis (SREP), and the requirements set out in MaRisk and DORA. Today, banks must demonstrate resilience to climate risks, cyber risks and market changes – from strategy through to operational implementation. Key factors here are double materiality, robust data, digital stability and long-term remuneration systems.

The 9th amendment to the MaRisk (consultation 02/2026) establishes the categories “small institution” (SNCI) and “very small institution” directly within the circular and transposes numerous reliefs from the supervisory notice of 26 November 2024 into binding supervisory law – including in relation to validation, stress testing, separation of functions, outsourcing, lending activities and reporting.