De Nederlandsche Bank published updated statistics on the Netherlands’ external financial position showing that cross-border investments and financing flows continued to grow in 2025, lifting net external assets to EUR 568 billion in the third quarter of 2025 despite geopolitical tensions. Since the start of 2025, foreign assets increased to EUR 10,374 billion (up EUR 225 billion) and liabilities rose to EUR 9,806 billion (up EUR 353 billion), driven mainly by the banking sector and pension funds, including larger derivative positions and deposits. In GDP terms, the Netherlands remains among the most internationally exposed economies, with International Monetary Fund figures cited by DNB putting Dutch foreign assets at 853% of GDP at end-2024, compared with 396% for Belgium and 309% for Germany. The breakdown highlights that while Dutch pension funds, insurers and investment funds held EUR 1,674 billion of foreign securities in Q3 2025, foreign investors hold even more Dutch securities due to the presence of listed multinationals, creating a negative net position in portfolio securities that is offset by stronger outward direct investment (at least 10% ownership stakes). DNB will host a session on 14 January at De Nieuwe Schatkamer to discuss Dutch financial interconnectedness and the opportunities and risks of the Netherlands’ role as a financial centre.
De Nederlandsche Bank 2025-12-24
De Nederlandsche Bank data show Netherlands’ net external assets reach EUR 568 billion as cross-border positions expand
De Nederlandsche Bank reported that the Netherlands' net external assets rose to EUR 568 billion in Q3 2025, driven by increased cross-border investments and financing flows despite geopolitical tensions. Foreign assets reached EUR 10,374 billion, while liabilities grew to EUR 9,806 billion, primarily due to the banking sector and pension funds. The Netherlands remains highly internationally exposed, with foreign assets at 853% of GDP at end-2024, much higher than Belgium and Germany.