International Savings Banks

The savings bank movement is active worldwide in the shape of two international associations: the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG) and the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI). These organisations form a focal point for cross-border cooperation between savings bank institutions in the whole world. 

ESBG is an international banking association that represents one of the largest European retail banking networks, comprising about one third of the retail banking market in Europe. It represents the interests of its members vis-à-vis the EU Institutions and generates, facilitates and manages high quality cross-border banking projects.

WSBI is one of the largest international banking associations and the only global representative of savings and retail banking. Founded in 1924, it represents savings and retail banks and associations thereof in 67 countries of the world (Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Africa and Europe – via ESBG). WSBI works closely with international financial institutions and donor agencies, and facilitates the provision of access to financial sectors worldwide – be it in developing or developed regions.

Since 1994, the ESBG and the WSBI have been based in one central office in Brussels.

With their 200-year history, Germany's Sparkassen show that sustainable microfinance is only feasible if it is organised efficiently and professionally. By strengthening local and regional financial structures, their "German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation" not only generates development opportunities for wide sections of the population and local companies, but ultimately also helps to create jobs and income. This complies with the approach and objectives of Germany's Sparkassen. It also has a stabilising effect on the respective financial sector and, as a result, on the given country's economic development.