Times of strong growth and low interest rates have seen vulnerabilities build up in the German financial system. In addition, the probability of an economic downturn has increased. “Now is the time to build up sufficient capital and strengthen the financial system’s defences,” said Bundesbank Vice-President Claudia Buch at the press conference on the publication of the new Financial Stability Review.

Financial stability is a state in which the financial system can perform its key economic functions smoothly at all times, particularly in times of stress and structural upheaval. Monetary stability refers to the economic, monetary and financial stability of the individual countries and the world monetary system as a whole.

The leading industrial nations and emerging market economies, or G20, meet on a regular basis to hold informal discussions on current challenges facing the global economy and to consult on ways in which they can cooperate.