De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) published results from a survey of more than 2,400 Dutch households indicating that overall trust in the financial sector has remained broadly unchanged from last year, even as confidence in the financial health of banks, insurers and pension funds has declined. In the survey, 52% of households reported fairly high or very high trust in financial institutions, while 48% reported little or no trust. Trust in public institutions fell, with trust in national politics at 18% and in the civil service at 36%; trust in DNB remained high at 70%, though slightly lower than last year, and trust in the European Central Bank was similar to last year. Confidence that banks could repay entrusted money at all times fell to 66% in 2025 from 71% in 2024, and confidence that insurers could meet contractual obligations declined to 60% from 63%. Trust in pension funds’ ability to meet commitments dropped to 51% from 57%, while confidence in respondents’ own pension fund was 57%. DNB noted that these shifts occurred despite no noteworthy changes in institutions’ financial positions, and that respondents primarily cited personal experiences, sector supervision and general sentiment as drivers of trust.
De Nederlandsche Bank 2025-11-13
De Nederlandsche Bank survey shows Dutch trust in financial sector steady while confidence in banks insurers and pension funds weakens
De Nederlandsche Bank's survey of over 2,400 Dutch households shows overall trust in the financial sector remains stable, despite declining confidence in banks, insurers, and pension funds. Trust in financial institutions is split, with 52% expressing fairly high or very high trust, while 48% report little or no trust. These shifts in confidence occur despite stable financial positions, driven by personal experiences, sector supervision, and general sentiment.