Dr. Carsten Krebs

The performance of the #German economy over the last two decades was a combination of #Industrial expertise and reputation, cheap Russian #naturalgas and finally the #globalization of the economy as a platform For exports . Same model adopted later on by other countries anchored to Germany like #Czechia or #Slovakia or some of the Nordics. Energy for Germany will not be cheap for quite some time, a global platform for exports gave its place to a polarised environment with #China dubbed as the enemy of the West, and the #madeinGermany lost a bit of its shine . So the entire business model doesn’t work out . Most analysts agree that German industry will decline for another decade . I am curious to see what are the famous structural reforms that will turn around the economy. #Lenders have not been performing better either in the largest economy of the EU and have long been targets for acquisitions. Lower GDP growth is traditionally linked to lower #profitability for banks . Now it seems that they will be far more vulnerable, so we could see suitors beyond Unicredit with the ambition to acquire lenders in EU largest economy .

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The Swiss IPO landscape is shaping up for a promising year in 2025! Julian Herriger sat with Ivo Ruch Finanz und Wirtschaft to discuss the opportunities that could drive the market forward. #MA #citiswitzerland #IPO

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Over the past two days, the "Deutsche Betriebswirtschafter-Tag" of the Schmalenbach-Gesellschaft für Betriebswirtschaft e.V. focused on the (Gen)AI transformation. Leading German companies such as Bosch, Merck, SAP, Infineon Technologies, Aleph Group, Inc, and academic representatives agreed: (Gen)AI is a disruptive technology that is fundamentally changing our world. Here are a few of my key takeaways from the past two days:   🎯 Despite strict regulations in the EU and high costs, as Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka emphasized, we need to shift the focus from "Why can't we?" to "How can we implement it?". This requires an approach that considers both the technology and the people – through training and actively involving employees. When applied correctly, (Gen)AI offers advantages such as speed, personalization, cost reduction, and accuracy, and can help address challenges like demographic change.   ⚖️ The EU's dependency on major tech companies from the U.S. and China remains a challenge, as Mario Draghi highlighted in a recent report. Open GPT-X offers a potential solution in the EU, but it requires commitment, collaboration, and perseverance.   💡 Interestingly, Aleph Alpha has adjusted its strategy and no longer focuses solely on scaling LLMs, as the cost-benefit ratio is not worth the huge amount of investment. Instead, the company is addressing key challenges such as explainability, domain-specific language, and multidimensionality.   ➡ In conclusion: (Gen)AI offers enormous potential – now we must act, experiment and explore to secure long-term competitive advantages and reduce dependencies. Focusing solely on short-term ROI is not sustainable.   #AITransformation #Innovation #GenerativeAI

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It’s now the time to switch on Heatpumps in combination with Solar. But most households require extra financing to go solar / heatpump. For most of the homeowners its still a big investment ´with or without subsidies. Our financial services enable homeowners to leave fossil fuels at fingertips. With heatpumps the value of the home increases drastically. #solar #heatpump #bullfinch

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Sparkassen in Bavaria lose 10,000 employees Over the next ten years, the Bavarian Sparkassen will lose around a third of their workforce as around 10,000 employees retire. This massive loss of staff is part of a larger trend in the financial sector, as other institutions are also facing similar challenges. Demographic change is hitting an already tight labor market where skilled workers are in short supply. In the second quarter of 2024, there were almost 39,000 vacancies in the sector, an increase of ten percent compared to the same period last year. To counteract this impending staff shortage, the Bavarian savings banks are increasingly focusing on new recruitment strategies. A particular focus is on training career changers. The number of retrainees at the Sparkassenakademie Bayern has risen from 20 to 248 in the last ten years. This group increasingly includes immigrants and university dropouts who are looking for a second career opportunity in banking. Overall, the savings banks are facing major challenges, but also opportunities to renew their workforce through innovative recruitment measures and the involvement of new target groups. With the retirement of long-serving specialists comes the retirement of accumulated expertise and experience. 

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We are not only setting the course, but also 1888 switches. 🚂   Convinced of the cause, and aware of the importance of diligence: With the valuable help of seven federal ministries, Germany's Core Green Bond Team has once again, and in the utmost care, compiled a comprehensive piece. The Green Bond Impact Report 2022 https://lnkd.in/eKYpcJts provides reliable information about the impact on climate, environment and nature of green expenditure that has been allocated to the proceeds of the #GreenBunds issued (and tapped) in 2022.   A brief sample, in a nutshell: 🌱 With the eligible green expenditure for the conservation of nature, landscape, forests and #Biodiversity, more than four and a half million hectares were protected or renaturalized. 🌱 A considerable amount was invested in maintaining the rail network, for example the renewal of 2,023 km of track and 1,888 switches. 🌱 Further parts of the expenditure helped to preserve almost 1 million hectares of coastal and flood protection areas. 🌱 Millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been avoided through the use of the federal funds. Due to different methodological approaches, these savings are not reported in aggregated terms, but individually and specifically (current report, p. 7/8).   These 👆 few lines alone are a testament to the various effects of the diversified expenditure portfolio and the wide range of funding measures. Overall, and in particular for special #Sovereign spending areas such as #InternationalCooperation or fundamental #Research, the new impact report shows a high degree of transparency and clearly reveals the strict requirements and examinations to ensure that the measures and projects carried out and allocated to the Green Bunds are ✅ truly #green.   There are many more details in the report itself and on our website https://lnkd.in/eWms-E_b .

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3,2,1 let's go... Here's what we loved and learned about in yesterday's webinar with Ilka Fuerstenberger, CEO at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. 1. Creating a culture of gender equality means offering equal opportunities, fair promotions and support for every team member. 2. Family-friendly policies, like extended parental leave, merit-based recruitment and flexible work arrangements, are crucial to supporting working parents and working towards gender equality. 3. A successful gender equality strategy is not a destination it’s a continuous journey built on setting measurable goals, tracking progress and fostering a caring, collaborative environment where everyone works towards the common goal. Jodi Geddes #WorkingParents #WorkingCaregiver #GenderEquity #GenderEquality #WorkplaceCulture #HR #WGEA #WomenInBusiness

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The article talks about cooperation and why key market players are not only using this term as a buzzword but also actually implementing cooperation in their day-to-day operations. At 4PM Ventures, we not only understand and talk about it, but we've also launched an entire product, basing our entire startup Acceleration Program on a platform-based approach. What does this mean in reality? How is 4PM developing a platform, not just a collection of startups? -Defines the technological scope of each platform (what each platform will be about) -Validates the chosen platform concept with clinics and key participants in the healthcare ecosystem (is this really necessary?) -Searches for existing technologies and startups in the market that could potentially become part of the platform (not just the startups that approach us) -Finds or creates missing components of the platform (sometimes it's necessary to create them) -Acts as a mediator for negotiations between startups to unify teams, technologies, and companies into a single product and solution (uniting startups into a coherent story is not an easy task) -Organizes pilot projects (where startups are most needed) -Customizes solutions for specific clients (that's why we're working on building an ecosystem with businesses, universities, clusters, and research centers - and that's why I'm needed here) We truly believe that the future belongs to platforms, and right now, we are creating a visionary product that operates on this principle.

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A story of how passionate individuals, innovative social finance tools like the Social Impact Bond, and skilled implementation partners (atempo) can create the impact that matters in people’s lives. For more examples, check out the full report (in German) here: https://lnkd.in/e8DGGdSV

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Strengthening Transatlantic Relations & Europe’s Strategic Position Yesterday, alongside Christian Sewing, Bettina Orlopp and Heiner Herkenhoff from the Board of the Association of German Banks, we hosted a working lunch with German Members of the Bundestag during the Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank here in Washington, D.C.. Christian Sewing emphasized the importance of Europe’s role in the global economy, particularly as the U.S. elections approach. The potential shifts in U.S. policy, regardless of the election’s outcome, highlight a clear message for Europe: we must invest in our own strategic Infrastructure and resilience. From defense and technology to energy and capital markets, Europe’s competitiveness relies on a unified approach and bold investments. A strong European financial market is essential to meet these needs and drive growth. As representatives of the banking industry, we see robust capital markets and a working securitisation market as the engine for investment that can propel Europe forward, especially in uncertain geopolitical times. Thank you to all attendees for the valuable discussion and insights that will help guide our continued efforts to build a resilient, competitive Europe. #IMF #WorldBank #TransatlanticRelations #Europe #Investment Bankenverband

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Grid expansion🔌 in Germany is a task of the century💪 says Ingbert Liebing, Managing Director of VKU - Verband kommunaler Unternehmen e.V. to Handelsblatt. We agree: although it has not yet been reached, the load limit of the German electricity grid is getting noticeably closer.   There are innovative solutions💡 that are already available in Germany today. Our globally unique year-round electricity storage system for buildings - picea 🌲 - offers maximum independence in the electricity sector. The surpluses generated by a photovoltaic system on sunny days are stored as green hydrogen 💧 and made available again in the form of electricity during the darker months of the year. In this way, picea can supply buildings with solar power from their own roof all year round and relieve the strain on the grids. 

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#Cybersecurity should be a key issue in the development and use of #AI tools! In this article at Digitale Welt Magazin, our director Dr. Swantje Westpfahl writes together with Martin J. Krämer about the opportunities and #risks of AI for companies: https://lnkd.in/epcBMyjb 💡 One important insight regarding the secure use of AI tools in day-to-day business is: If fears can be reduced at an early stage through good training and further #education of employees and applications can be securely integrated, it is then possible to overcome many complex questions and obstacles and at the same time introduce measures that make a company future-proof. We offer customized #training for your employees, managers and directors and support you in all topics relating to cybersecurity and #awareness.

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IG Metall President Christiane Benner sets out an agenda for investment and job security in response to the German auto summit yesterday: "In view of the worsening crisis in the automotive industry, the sluggish ramp-up of electromobility, the reluctance to invest in the electromobility value chain, the time pressure in international competition for the markets of the future and the foreseeable failure to meet climate targets, IG Metall is now calling for a rapid new funding package for electromobility. Accelerating the ramp-up of e-mobility would help the climate as well as the manufacturers and suppliers who have invested billions in e-mobility. Investments must be worthwhile and fines next year for missing climate targets would be a fatal waste of money... We call on employers: Stop the hectic and action-oriented reductions in staff and locations. We need investments in the future and securing skilled workers, staying power instead of quick returns. Let us talk instead: exchange instead of excuses. But we have also made it clear that we believe it is the responsibility of politicians to do much more to support the politically set goals." https://lnkd.in/egTj_j9w industriAll Europe

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Car Burglary in Paris: Seeking Advice and Insights Einbruch ins Auto in Paris: Suche nach Ratschlägen und Erfahrungen Last weekend, we took a short trip to Paris with our new car. On the last night of our trip, we parked on the street in front of our hotel (26 Bd Carnot). The next morning, we were shocked to find our car had been broken into. We gradually realized it—first seeing papers on the seat that had been in the glove box, then our coffee mugs on the driver’s seat, and finally noticing that someone had stolen items from our car. Among the stolen items were coins for the toll, an AirPod (which we later located somewhere in Paris using the Find My app), and a gift box from dear friends, given just the day before. 😭 What baffles me is that there were no signs of forced entry. It was as if they had a key and simply unlocked it. We are 99% sure we locked the doors, and the Mercedes Me app would notify us if we forgot. So, we assume the car was locked. Our car is a Mercedes EQA (Mercedes-Benz AG) with Keyless technology. I've read about two possible methods to unlock keyless cars: Signal Blocking: Thieves block the signal that locks the doors, leaving the car unlocked if you don't notice. However, the car would have sent a message if it were left unlocked. RFID Enhancer: Thieves use an RFID enhancer to read your key's signal and send it to the car. This seems unlikely as we were on the third floor of the hotel, far from the car. Interestingly, as we stepped out of the car, my wife mentioned someone pointed a laser at her face. At the time, I thought kids were playing around (there were many students in the hotel), but now I wonder if it could be related. Often, when looking for complicated answers, the most obvious one is correct. However, we're pretty sure we didn't forget to lock the doors. So, HOW THE HECK DID THEY UNLOCK THE CAR? I would appreciate any suggestions, articles, or links on how this could happen so we can prevent it in the future. PS: I wrote this post in English but welcome comments in any language. ❤️ PPS: It was also not the Firewall, Proxy or the Cache 😅

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🌍 🎉 Proud to have addressed the 100th International Session of the European Youth Parliament! It was an honor to share a digital message with such dedicated young leaders. Here are the three key messages I shared and why the DSGV - Deutscher Sparkassen- und Giroverband is proud to support the EYP: 1️⃣ Commitment to Democracy and Dialogue: The EYP has been a beacon of democracy and European dialogue since 1987. The dedication of young leaders to these values is truly inspiring, especially in these challenging times. 2️⃣ Support for Financial Education: In 2023, the German Savings Banks Finance Group invested 508 million euros in regional projects. We believe that financial education is crucial for enabling individuals to make secure decisions, benefit from financial markets, and ensure long-term prosperity. 3️⃣ Focus on Innovation and Sustainability: The theme “Harbour of Innovation” highlights the importance of willingness and commitment to innovate and transform. From sustainable business models to secure pension systems, these topics are essential for our future. I would have loved to engage personally with the participants, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts digitally. Let's continue working together to shape a better future for Europe! #EYP100 #Innovation #FinancialEducation #EuropeanYouthParliament #SavingsBanks #FutureLeaders

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Interesting read about recent developments of #car industry in #China!🇨🇳

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💚 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸. 𝗜 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 (𝗠𝗛𝗙𝗔). This is a mental health first aid course that teaches people how to respond to mental health problems and crises. It is comparable to a first aid course for physical emergencies, which is widespread in our society. 😔 𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿. One in three Germans describe themselves as mentally ill*. This means that 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀. Colleagues, relatives or friends often do not know how to help and how to provide mental health first aid. The Mental Health First Aid ( MHFA Ersthelfer ) course discusses case studies and answers questions such as: - What professional help can I recommend for a colleague who seems overwhelmed by their work, takes frequent sick days and complains of constant worry? - How do I deal with a colleague who is drinking more after a break-up? - How do I respond when someone expresses suicidal thoughts? 💡 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗺𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱. 👏 I would like to say a special thank you to Ellen Brauner for her fantastic course management! Have you or your company used European Mental Health Awareness Week as an opportunity to promote mental health and combat stigma? Let us know in the comments below. 🗨️👇   *𝘈𝘟𝘈 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 2023 #MHFA #MentalHealth #EuropeanMentalHealthAwarenessWeek #FirstAid

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Bank-Verlag GmbH's latest podcast dives into the transformative impact of Open Banking and Open Finance, fueled by PSD2. 🚀 This is a must-listen for anyone interested in how APIs, data sharing, and customer-centric innovations are reshaping the financial landscape. Don't miss this insightful discussion - perfect for staying ahead in the evolving world of finance. 🎧 Jürgen Petry Roger Wisler Silke Finken Christoph Berentzen Ortwin Scheja

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