Association of International Banks in Germany
The Association of International Banks in Germany (VIB) represents international banks, investment firms and asset managers operating in the German financial market and in cross-border business. It supports members in organizing their business and brings their concerns to policymakers, supervisory authorities and the public.
Its services include professional information, working groups and seminars on regulatory and operational matters. Member institutions can exchange practical experience and discuss questions affecting their German business. The association works from Frankfurt and has used its current name since 2025.
Representation and practical support
The association combines policy representation with support for its member institutions. Its aims and services include responding to draft legislation and discussing questions affecting several institutions with the responsible authorities. These activities concern the German market and its connections to the European financial system.
For member firms, the association provides economic and legal expertise alongside professional information and discussion forums. It describes BaFin as one of its supervisory counterparts. Other institutions it engages with include the Deutsche Bundesbank, government ministries and tax authorities.
Working groups and financial technology
The official working group overview covers asset management, compliance and banking law, as well as financial crime prevention, infrastructure and taxation. IT and information security topics include DORA; custody-related discussions also cover distributed ledger technology and crypto-assets.
Payments is another working area, including cross-border transactions and SEPA instant payments. This puts technology alongside operational questions: how institutions exchange information, organize IT services and implement requirements in practice. The working groups provide a setting for employees of member institutions to discuss those tasks.
Seminars and professional information
The seminar program provides professional education for employees of financial institutions. The association also offers training and seminar recordings. Its publications include a yearbook, position papers and monthly information on regulatory developments and association activities.
The monthly information is available in German and English. Institutions can use these materials alongside the association office and working groups when following changes affecting their operations. Dates and registration conditions are published by the association.
Who can become a member?
The official membership information identifies international banks, investment firms, asset managers, fintechs, leasing companies and factoring companies with a physical presence in Germany as potential members. Foreign majority ownership is the stated criterion.
The association lists working group participation, professional information and education among membership benefits. Interested institutions can contact it through the membership form and consult the application documents and statutes. The requirements concern the institution applying. Membership is held by the institution.
From foreign banks to international banks
The association was founded in 1982. Its official history records the name Verband der Auslandsbanken in Deutschland from 1986 and the change to Verband Internationaler Banken in Deutschland in 2025. Older sources therefore use VAB, while the current association uses VIB.
The organization belongs to the institutional environment of Frankfurt as a financial center. Its focus is on international financial institutions and their German business.
Financial institutions in Frankfurt
International banking and Finance Loop
International banking connects financial infrastructure with supervision, payments and the use of new technology. Finance Loop brings professionals together to discuss these subjects and develop knowledge about their application in finance. The banking associations and institutions operating in Frankfurt provide part of the context for that exchange.
Finance Loop is a professional network with the goal of driving the adoption of emerging technologies in finance. Finance Loop helps its members build skills and personal networks in Investment & Digital Assets, as well as in Payments & Digital Money, also in Digital Infrastructure & Sovereignty, and in Risk & Compliance.
Explore the association
The official website provides the current services, publications and seminar program. Institutions considering membership can find the requirements and contact the association there.