Deutsche Bank has announced its 2028 growth strategy, focusing on significant revenue and profitability increases, and scaling its Global Hausbank. 

This strategy sets ambitious financial targets and prioritises disciplined capital management, business growth, and technological investment. 

The bank aims to become the leading European banking institution, with a “strong” global presence and leadership in key business segments. 

Deutsche Bank plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and maintain a resilient balance sheet to achieve market-leading returns and an expanded client base. 

The strategy is backed by the shareholder value add (SVA) performance framework. 

Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing said: “As the Global Hausbank, we plan to grow by building on our position as the market leader in Germany, the European alternative in global banking, and the gateway to Europe for clients around the world.” 

“Our long-term vision is to be the European champion, and we have everything in our hands to make this a reality. 

“Over the next three years, we will focus even more on our clients’ needs, and on those markets and businesses where we are or can be a leader, while transforming our processes to become more integrated and automated.” 

For the period to 2028, Deutsche Bank aims to achieve a return on tangible equity (RoTE) of greater than 13%, up from the 2025 target of above 10%. 

The bank expects compound annual revenue growth of above 5%, with revenues rising from an estimated €32bn in 2025 to around €37bn in 2028. 

The cost/income ratio target is set below 60% by 2028, compared with the 2025 target of below 65%. 

Deutsche Bank said it will continue to invest in business growth and technology, while focusing on targeted programmes to deliver gross cost efficiencies of around €2bn. 

The bank intends to maintain a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio within an operating range of 13.5% to 14% and raise the payout ratio to 60% of net profit attributable to shareholders from 2026, up from the current target of 50%. 

Deutsche Bank chief financial officer designate Raja Akram said: “We will pivot to accelerated growth and have set ourselves clear objectives. 

“We will make focused investments starting in 2026 in value-creating areas to continue on our growth path. At the same time, we are committed to deploying capital in a disciplined manner and realising additional cost efficiencies reflecting a scalable operating model. 

“We are confident that these measures will enable us to significantly increase the proportion of our capital deployed in value-accretive areas.” 

Deutsche Bank said that focused growth will be a central pillar from 2026 to 2028 to capitalise on its home market strength. 

The bank will integrate its Global Hausbank offering and leverage its capabilities to assist clients in a changing environment. 

The bank plans to invest in areas such as asset gathering, payments, servicing, and advisory, targeting incremental revenues of about €5bn through 2028. 

It expects around €2bn of the targeted revenue from Germany, supported by fiscal stimulus, private investment, and government spending on long-term transformation. 

Furthermore, Deutsche Bank plans to increase shareholder payouts to 60% of net profit from 2026, with further distributions possible when the CET1 ratio is sustainably above 14%. 

Deutsche Bank CFO James von Moltke said: “We are on track to meet our financial targets for 2025, including Return on Tangible Equity of more than 10%. 

“This is an important milestone for Deutsche Bank and reflects the benefits of our transformation and the dedication of our people over the past several years. 

“With our restored profitability and strengthened foundations, Deutsche Bank is well positioned to embark on the next stage in its journey to European leadership.” 

In September, Deutsche Bank, in partnership with DWS and Partners Group, has revealed plans to introduce a private markets fund for its qualified private clients.