Deutsche Bank Bremen: Real estate loan via video switch – Economy in Bremen: Latest news

The management in Bremen: Peter König (from left), Sabine Niemeyer and Ludwig Blomeyer. (Deutsche Bank)

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It should have cost investors some nerves. Dramatic developments took place on the stock exchanges in the wake of the pandemic. The recovery set in rapidly later. Despite the turbulence, the customers of Deutsche Bank Bremen did not seem to have been deterred by securities.

Overall, the spokesman for the management, Ludwig Blomeyer, is satisfied with the results of the bank in 2020. The volume of business grew. In total, loans, deposits and the deposit volume in the Bremen / Osnabrück market area amounted to EUR 8.6 billion at the end of the year. In comparison with other regions, too, this is “very gratifying strong growth”, he said in an interview with WESER-KURIER.

“With interest rates still historically low, the trend towards shares and equity funds will continue,” said Peter König, who is responsible for private customers, about the business figures. In March and April 2020 in particular, customers sought advice on this. The need could also be felt among wealthy clients, as the head of wealth management Sabine Niemeyer discovered. The number of discussions in this area rose by a quarter: “And the intensity of advice has increased significantly.”

According to Blomeyer, the Bank am Domshof helped to reach customers on various channels – whether in the branch, on the phone or via video. What also plays a role: “Many could not travel properly last year.” They used this time to settle issues with their bank. “And to renovate,” added Blomeyer. According to the bank, investments relating to living were the main focus in the financial year. “We actually did not expect that the construction financing would continue to run so well during this time,” remembers Blomeyer. In many cases, the loan talks for real estate were only carried out by video, reports König: “Only the signature was given at a personal meeting.”

Consumer loans alone were somewhat weaker, according to Blomeyer: “But that was not surprising, because many people were reluctant to spend.” This is understandable against the background of the uncertainty when there are concerns about the economy and one’s own job. In this environment, people did not want to go into debt for a purchase.

For the second half of the year, says Blomeyer, who is also on the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bank, he is very optimistic about the economy. “I believe that we will see a lot of catching-up effects.” Despite the difficult situation in restaurants and hotels, for example, the general trend is “significantly better than we expected”. State aid took hold and exports created demand, said the market area manager for corporate customers. He rates the liquidity situation at companies as “very good”.

At the Domshof there is an anniversary to celebrate this year for the management and around 130 employees. Deutsche Bank opened its first domestic branch in Bremen in 1871 after its founding place in Berlin. Only then did Hamburg, Shanghai and London follow. The plan is to celebrate 150 years in the second half of the year – if the pandemic allows.

Overall, the bank looks after almost 200,000 customers across the entire market area. In Bremen and Bremerhaven there are around 64,000. There is a reduction in the branch network: the Bremen-Nord and Delmenhorst locations in the market area are to be closed by the end of the year.

The Domshof remains an important point of contact. Ludwig Blomeyer is positive about changes here right on the doorstep. The plans for the square have to be looked at carefully, but other attractions are good for the city. “I welcome all ideas to liven up the city.” The Domshof in particular is a beautiful ensemble. When it comes to urban development, the question is also: What does it mean for the inner city if many new offices are built elsewhere in Bremen? “When you look at how many cranes there are over there in the overseas port – there is still a lot to come.”

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