Key Points – Commerzbank’s “Momentum 2030” plan is centered on higher revenue, lower costs, and efficiency gains from AI, with the bank targeting a return on tangible equity of 21% by 2030 and a cost-income ratio of 43%.
Management said AI could add about €500 million in value from 2030 onward, mostly through cost savings. – CEO Bettina Orlopp said Commerzbank’s lending and deposit assumptions remain constructive, with loan growth already running ahead of expectations and international business helping offset slower domestic growth
The bank sees only modest deposit growth and is watching new competitors in Germany, including Chase’s deposit offering. – Orlopp reiterated that UniCredit’s takeover offer is unattractive because it carries no premium and is effectively a discount to Commerzbank’s share price. She said Commerzbank would only consider a friendly deal with a significant premium and appropriate governance, while warning that a hostile takeover would destroy value. Commerzbank (ETR:CBK) Chief Executive Bettina Orlopp said the German lender’s updated “Momentum 2030” strategy is built on continued revenue growth, lower costs and efficiency gains from artificial intelligence, while reiterating that the bank sees UniCredit’s current takeover offer as unattractive.
Speaking at a Goldman Sachs financial institutions event alongside Christoph Wortig, Commerzbank’s head of investor relations, Orlopp said the bank’s May strategy update followed what she described as a “very successful year” and a continued improvement in profitability. She said the plan is based on a robust business model, growth in net interest income and net commission income, and ongoing transformation of the cost base. Commerzbank Targets Higher Returns and Lower Costs Orlopp said Commerzbank is targeting a return on tangible equity of 17% in 2028 and 21% in 2030, with interim targets of 12% this year, 14% next year and 19% before reaching the 2030 goal.