De Nederlandsche Bank published new statistics showing a renewed pickup in Dutch banks’ lending to domestic non-financial corporates, with growth now consistently stronger than the euro area average. In March 2025, Dutch banks had EUR 277 billion of domestic corporate loans outstanding, up 5% year on year versus 2.3% for the euro area. DNB notes that since June 2024 Dutch corporate lending growth has almost consistently outperformed the euro area on a monthly basis, after lagging the euro area average for around a decade. Possible drivers cited include a smaller tightening in Dutch banks’ lending criteria relative to peers, reduced debt securities issuance by Dutch firms as an alternative funding source, and weaker lending developments in Germany in the second half of 2024.
De Nederlandsche Bank 2025-05-27
De Nederlandsche Bank figures show Dutch corporate bank lending growth outpacing the euro area
De Nederlandsche Bank reported a 5% year-on-year increase in Dutch banks' lending to domestic non-financial corporates, reaching EUR 277 billion in March 2025, surpassing the euro area average of 2.3%. Since June 2024, Dutch corporate lending growth has consistently outpaced the euro area, attributed to less stringent lending criteria, reduced debt securities issuance by Dutch firms, and weaker lending in Germany.