The Bank of Greece published May 2026 monetary data showing stronger lending and deposit growth across the domestic economy. The annual growth rate of total credit rose to 4.6% from 3.9% in April, while total deposits growth increased to 8.1% from 6.4%. Monthly flows also improved sharply, with total bank credit posting a positive net flow of EUR 1.644 billion after a negative EUR 1.081 billion in April, and total deposits recording a positive net flow of EUR 5.063 billion after a negative EUR 34 million. The pickup in lending was led by the private sector, where annual credit growth increased to 7.4% from 6.8% and the monthly net flow turned positive at EUR 1.315 billion after a negative EUR 1.216 billion. Corporate credit was the main driver, with annual growth rising to 9.8% from 8.8% and monthly net lending reaching EUR 1.285 billion, including EUR 427 million to non-financial corporations and EUR 858 million to insurance corporations and other financial intermediaries. Credit to sole proprietors remained weak, with annual growth unchanged at negative 2.0%, while lending to individuals and private non-profit institutions was unchanged at 2.7%. On deposits, private sector balances increased by EUR 5.313 billion and annual growth accelerated to 7.8% from 5.8%, largely due to a EUR 4.973 billion rise in corporate deposits. Household and private non-profit institution deposits increased by EUR 340 million, with annual growth unchanged at 4.1%, while general government deposits fell by EUR 249 million and their annual growth rate slowed to 14.6% from 22.5%.

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