EU Banking Sector Sees 3.63% Asset Surge Amid Slight NPL Rise

The European Central Bank (ECB) has published consolidated banking data for end-March 2026, showing an increase in total assets of EU-headquartered credit institutions by 3.63%. This brings the aggregate total to €34.33 trillion, up from €33.13 trillion in March 2025.

However, the ECB's data also reveal a slight increase in non-performing loans (NPLs) for these institutions, with the ratio rising to 1.98% in March 2026 from 1.96% in March 2025.

The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio, a key measure of bank solvency, stood at 16.27% in March 2026.

The data cover 335 banking groups and 2284 stand-alone credit institutions and non-EU controlled subsidiaries and branches operating in the EU, accounting for nearly 100% of the EU banking sector's balance sheet.