EU banking sector assets reach €33.44 trillion, NPLs rise slightly
The European Central Bank has published consolidated banking data for end-September 2025, revealing a 0.95 percent increase in EU-headquartered credit institutions' total assets to €33.44 trillion. The aggregate non-performing loans ratio for EU credit institutions simultaneously rose to 1.97 percent.
EU banking assets expand, NPLs edge up
The aggregate total assets of EU-headquartered credit institutions saw a 0.95 percent increase, rising from €33.12 trillion in September 2024 to €33.44 trillion by September 2025. This growth reflects the overall expansion within the EU banking sector.
Concurrently, the aggregate non-performing loans ratio for these institutions experienced a slight uptick, increasing by 0.01 percentage points year on year to reach 1.97 percent in September 2025. This data set, compiled on a group consolidated basis, covers 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 sector's balance sheet.
Solid capital and profitability metrics
EU credit institutions recorded an aggregate return on equity of 7.41 percent in September 2025, reflecting sustained profitability.
Their Common Equity Tier 1 ratio remained robust at 16.43 percent, demonstrating strong capital adequacy across the sector.
This quarterly dataset provides information for analyzing the EU banking sector, covering 336 banking groups and 2289 stand-alone credit institutions.
It includes extensive indicators on profitability, balance sheet composition, liquidity, asset quality, and capital adequacy.
The data compilation generally follows International Financial Reporting Standards and EBA's Implementing Technical Standards.
Stable core, emerging nuances
The data confirms the EU banking sector's robust capital position and continued asset growth, underscoring its fundamental stability.
However, the marginal rise in non-performing loans suggests a need for vigilance amidst evolving economic conditions.
These figures offer supervisors a critical, if nuanced, overview for targeted risk assessment.