EU banks' assets rise, NPL ratio slightly up in Q3 2025
The European Central Bank has published consolidated banking data for EU-headquartered credit institutions as of end-September 2025. Aggregate total assets increased by 0.95 percent, while the non-performing loans ratio rose slightly to 1.97 percent.
Balance sheet expansion and asset quality
The aggregate of total assets for EU-headquartered credit institutions expanded by 0.95 percent, reaching €33.44 trillion in September 2025, up from €33.12 trillion in September 2024. Concurrently, the aggregate non-performing loans ratio for EU credit institutions saw a marginal increase of 0.01 percentage points year-on-year, settling at 1.97 percent in September 2025. Profitability remained robust, with the aggregate return on equity recorded at 7.41 percent.
Capital adequacy was also strong, as the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio stood at 16.43 percent.
These figures are derived from a comprehensive dataset covering 336 banking groups and 2289 stand-alone credit institutions and non-EU controlled subsidiaries and branches operating in the EU, representing nearly 100 percent of the EU banking sector's balance sheet.
Scope and methodological considerations
The consolidated banking data offers a quarterly overview of the EU banking sector, compiled on a group consolidated basis.
It includes key indicators on profitability, balance sheet composition, asset quality, and capital adequacy, covering 336 banking groups and 2289 stand-alone credit institutions.
This represents nearly 100 percent of the EU banking sector's balance sheet.
Most reporters follow International Financial Reporting Standards and EBA's Implementing Technical Standards, though some smaller institutions may apply national accounting standards.
The ECB highlighted that data for Denmark is tentative due to ongoing quality checks, and the release incorporates revisions to past data.