The Bank of Greece published its April 2026 monetary statistics showing that credit to the domestic economy lost momentum while deposit growth strengthened. The annual growth rate of total credit fell to 3.9% from 4.5% in March, and the monthly net flow of total bank credit turned negative at EUR 1.081 billion after a positive EUR 3.533 billion in the previous month. By contrast, the annual growth rate of total deposits rose to 6.4% from 5.8%, although the monthly net flow of total deposits edged slightly negative at EUR 34 million. The weakening in credit was driven mainly by the private sector. Annual growth in private sector credit slowed to 6.8% from 7.7%, with a monthly net outflow of EUR 1.216 billion after an inflow of EUR 2.409 billion in March. Corporate lending accounted for most of that reversal, as the annual growth rate fell to 8.8% from 10.1% and the monthly flow turned negative by EUR 1.150 billion, including a EUR 731 million outflow for non-financial corporations. Lending to sole proprietors and unincorporated partnerships and to individuals and private non-profit institutions also recorded negative monthly flows. On the deposit side, private sector deposits fell by EUR 66 million, compared with a EUR 2.08 billion increase in March, as a EUR 935 million decline in corporate deposits partly offset a EUR 869 million rise in household and private non-profit institution deposits. General government deposits increased by EUR 32 million, and their annual growth rate rose to 22.5% from 17.4%.
Bank of Greece2026-06-02
Bank of Greece reports slower credit growth and faster deposit growth in April 2026
The Bank of Greece said annual credit growth in the domestic economy slowed to 3.9% in April 2026 from 4.5% in March, while annual deposit growth rose to 6.4% from 5.8%. Monthly credit flows turned negative at EUR 1.081 billion, led by weaker corporate lending. Total deposits also posted a small negative monthly flow, as falling corporate deposits outweighed higher household balances.