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Dear Valued Client,
Trade is the lifeblood of global economies, driving transformative changes across businesses, industries and markets. As recent years have shown, the pace at which we need to adapt to market changes is accelerating; shocks are becoming unpredictable, more frequent and increasingly impactful. Complex supply chains are being unravelled and reconfigured, yet they are emerging stronger and more resilient, continuously evolving in response to challenges and long-term shifts.
In today’s dynamic world, amid geopolitical complexities and ongoing sustainable and digital transformations, both banks and corporations must rethink their strategies and plan for the future. Financial institutions need to be agile and responsive, offering innovative solutions to provide effective support for their clients.
In this edition of IN.sights, we focus on the growing trend of nearshoring and how economies are strengthening ties with reliable trade partners and geopolitical allies. We spotlight Latin America, a region rapidly gaining interest from global investors and exporters. Furthermore, we examine the critical importance of strategic planning for decarbonisation within hard-to-abate sectors, underscoring the need for deliberate sustainable transformations. Our client success story highlights the indispensable role of a trusted banking partner in facilitating business locally and globally.
With a comprehensive worldwide network including 27 Representative Offices, Commerzbank stands ready to offer the advice and solutions you need to reposition in a fast-changing world. Discover how our expert guidance can help you navigate complexities, seize opportunities and ensure your success.
Explore the wealth of valuable information in this edition of IN.sights and see how Commerzbank can be your strategic partner for growth and resilience.
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| | | | International trade and investment
Latin America: Opportunities in an era of global fragmentation
Against the backdrop of rapidly changing trade routes, Latin American economies are well placed to leverage an advantageous strategic position. Our experts discuss the macro trends upon which Latin America can capitalise to attract trade, along with the hurdles that could hinder progress and the role of banks in facilitating investment.
Learn more ➔
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| | | | Sustainable finance
Transition planning: Ensuring long-term success
Achieving net zero requires the transformation of all industries – and for carbon-intensive sectors, the transition process is all the more complex. Transition planning has emerged as a critical strategic priority – especially for those with the toughest targets. The business case for transition planning has never been so clear.
Learn more ➔
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| | | | Success story
Dieffenbacher: A hidden champion embracing sustainable innovation
Based in southern Germany, Dieffenbacher is a fifth-generation family business that is attracting international attention – specialising in manufacturing production plants for the recycling industry. This story showcases the importance of a banking partner that is there for its clients wherever they are need, locally and globally.
Learn more ➔
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| | | | Commerzbank in the News | |
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| Commerzbank’s 2025 Unternehmerperspektiven study reveals persistent investment by German SMEs despite strong headwinds
The past decade for SMEs has been marked by big transformations, both locally and globally. The primary examples are a greater push for sustainability, enhanced digitalisation across business lines and persistent geopolitical changes. Against this shifting landscape, Commerzbank’s Unternehmerperspektiven study evaluates the German Mittelstand’s perception of Germany as a business location.
The outlook at present is pessimistic, with only 10% of executives expressing the view that economic conditions in Germany are “very good” or “good”. Respondents noted that bureaucracy, energy costs and a shortage of skilled workers were among the most significant challenges for Germany as a location for doing business, with political instability and sustainability concerns closely behind. 71% of respondents also believe that the quality seal “Made in Germany” has declined in importance. In this complex environment, SMEs are increasingly expecting banks to step up to help them address these challenges.
However, despite headwinds, medium-sized businesses remain committed to investing in themselves. Employee qualifications, process optimisation and fostering corporate culture are key factors for success that companies are increasingly prioritising. Additionally, AI continues to play an important role in successful business plans, with more than €1.6 billion invested under Germany’s “AI Action Plan” in recent years.
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| | Commerzbank’s Simone Loefgen appointed Chair of Germany’s SWIFT Member Group
Simone Loefgen, our Global Head of Payment Platforms, has been elected as Chair of the National Member Group of SWIFT for Germany.
National Member Groups (NMGs) act as a vital link in connecting SWIFT to its users and shareholders – facilitating dialogue, collaboration and the sharing of best practices. As Chair, Simone is set to lead efforts in ensuring the interests and needs of member institutions are represented, discussed and addressed.
Simone has also been busy featuring at industry events and panels. Last month, she was the key guest at a lunchtime session at EBAday in Paris, sharing her perspective on the urgent need for smarter tools to combat payment fraud and continually promoting the importance of collaboration in the banking sector.
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| | Commerzbank is Germany’s Share Leader in Corporate Banking and Cash Management, says Coalition Greenwich
Commerzbank has retained its title as Coalition Greenwich’s Share Leader in Germany for the fourth consecutive year. The bank was recognised as the leader for both Corporate Banking and Corporate Cash Management in Germany, having achieved 83% and 70% market penetration across the two categories respectively.
US-based Coalition Greenwich provides strategic benchmarking and spotlights industry leaders across Europe’s banking sector, covering corporate banking, cash management and FX. Coalition Greenwich conducted interviews with companies across Europe to determine their 2025 list of Corporate Banking and Cash Management Market Leaders.
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| | Commerzbank picks up two major trade finance awards and remains Best Bank for SMEs
Commerzbank was named Germany’s Market Leader in trade finance technology according to Euromoney’s 2025 Trade Finance Survey, winning the award for the second time. The 2025 Euromoney Trade Finance Survey was completed by over 13,000 corporate treasurers across over 100 countries.
Additionally, Commerzbank was awarded two wins by Global Finance. For the sixth consecutive year, Commerzbank was recognised as Global Finance’s Best Trade Finance Provider in Germany. The Bank also retained its status as Germany’s Best Bank for SMEs, following on from its win in 2024.
The editorial review board of Global Finance selects the best trade finance providers based on entries from banks and other providers, as well as input from industry analysts, corporate executives and technology experts.
Learn more about our awards ➔
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 | The bank at your side |
Important information:
The opinions and estimates contained herein have been done with due care and diligence and are true and correct to the best of our knowledge at the given time, and are subject to change without notice. This newsletter is for information purposes only. Commerzbank AG Institutional Clients & Transaction Banking Sales accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any expense, loss or damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of all or any part of this newsletter.
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Japan:This material has been prepared by Commerzbank Group ("the Bank") purely for purposes of information and discussion; and thus, is not and does not constitute or form part of any offer, recommendation, invitation, or solicitation to subscribe to or to enter the services described. Any merit or advantage mentioned in this material is based on general conditions and the Bank does not represent its implication as being certain. This material does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice of any kind.
The services or information contained in this material are as of the date this material was prepared and are subject to change or be cancelled without notice. Always contact the sales representatives at Commerzbank AG Tokyo Branch for the latest information. Customers should use this information under their own judgment only after fully understanding details of the services and risks. Receiving the services in this material is not contingent upon receiving loans or purchasing other products/services from Commerzbank AG.
Singapore: This document is furnished in Singapore by Commerzbank AG, Singapore branch. It may only be received in Singapore by an institutional investor or an accredited investor as respectively defined in section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (“SFA”) pursuant to section 274 or section 275 (as applicable) of the SFA. Nothing in this document constitutes accounting, legal, regulatory, tax, financial or other advice and/or recommendations to the recipient of this communication. Further, the communication/information provided herein does not constitute a “financial advisory service” within the meaning of the Financial Advisers Act, Chapter 110 of Singapore (“FAA”) and therefore, the regulatory requirements and duties that may be owed to a client pursuant to or in connection with the FAA are not applicable to the recipient in connection with this communication. Recipients are advised to seek independent advice from their own professional advisers about the information contained discussed herein.
United Kingdom: Commerzbank AG London Branch is authorised and regulated by Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) and the European Central Bank. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request.
US: This document has been created and published by the Corporate Clients division of Commerzbank AG, Frankfurt/Main or the group companies mentioned in the document ("Commerzbank").
This is a financial promotion/marketing communication (together “communication”). It is not “investment research” or “financial analysis” as these terms are defined in applicable regulations and has not been prepared by a research analyst. The views in this communication may differ from the published views of Commerzbank Corporates & Markets Research Department and the communication has been prepared separately of such department. This communication may contain short term trading ideas. Any returns or future expectations referred to are not intended to forecast or predict future events. Any prices provided herein (other than those that are identified as being historical) are indicative only, and do not represent firm quotes as to either size or price. This communication is for information purposes only. The descriptions of the products and ideas featured in this document do not purport to be comprehensive descriptions. The information contained herein does not constitute the provision of investment advice. It is not intended to be nor should it be construed as an offer or solicitation to acquire, or dispose of, any of the financial instruments and/or securities mentioned in this communication and will not form the basis or a part of any contract.
Potential counterparties/ distributors should review independently and/or obtain independent professional advice and draw their own conclusions regarding the suitability/appropriateness of any transaction including the economic benefit and risks and the legal, regulatory, credit, tax and accounting aspects in relation to their particular circumstances. Levels, bases and relief from taxation may change from time to time. Any information in this communication is based on data obtained from sources believed by Commerzbank to be reliable, but no representations, guarantees or warranties are made by Commerzbank with regard to the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the data. Commerzbank has not performed any independent review or due diligence of publicly available information regarding an unaffiliated referenced asset or index. The past performance of financial instruments is not indicative of future results. No assurance can be given that any financial instrument or issuer described herein would yield favourable investment results. This communication is intended solely for distribution to Professional Clients and/or Eligible Counterparties of Commerzbank. It is not intended to be distributed to Retail Clients or potential Retail Clients. Neither Commerzbank nor any of its respective directors, officers or employees accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any expense, loss or damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of all or any part of this communication.
Commerzbank and/or its principals or employees may have a long or short position or may transact in financial instrument(s) and/or securities referred to herein or may trade in such financial instruments with other customers on a principal basis. The information may have been discussed between various Commerzbank personnel and such personnel may have already acted on the basis of this information (including trading for Commerzbank’s own account or communication of the information to other customers of Commerzbank). Commerzbank may act as a market maker in the financial instruments or companies discussed herein and may also perform or seek to perform investment banking services for those companies. If an actual secondary market does not exist after an offering, you may not be able to sell the security at a price above or below what you paid initially at the offering. Generally secondary market pricing, which Commerzbank is not obligated to provide, can be above or below offer price based on market factors at that point in time. Debt securities issued by Commerzbank or its affiliates are unsecured obligations and any payment on the security is subject to the credit risk of the issuing entity. Any changes to our credit rating may have a positive or adverse impact on the security. If we were to default on our payment obligations, you may not receive amounts owed to you and or lose your entire investment.
The offer price of our securities will exceed the estimated value when the value was provided, as determined by Commerzbank’s pricing models, which incorporates numerous factors that may include our creditworthiness, market conditions as well as other applicable factors. These pricing models are proprietary and predicated partly on certain assumptions about future events that can be correct or not. The difference between the estimated value and offer price is based on factors that can include underwriter discount, commission and expenses involving marketing. No part of this communication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any manner without prior written permission of Commerzbank. This communication or the manner of its distribution may be restricted by law or regulation in certain countries. Persons into whose possession this document may come are required to inform themselves about, and to observe any such restriction. By accepting this communication, a recipient hereof agrees to be bound by the foregoing limitations.
To the extent this communication is distributed in the United States, it must solely be sent to “institutional investors” and “major U.S. institutional investors,” as defined in Rule 15a-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any securities transaction by U.S. persons must be effected with Commerz Markets LLC (“CMLLC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Commerzbank AG and a US registered broker-dealer. CMLLC is a member of FINRA and SIPC. Under applicable US law, information regarding clients of CMLLC may be distributed to other companies within Commerzbank. Banking services in the U.S. will be provided by Commerzbank AG, New York Branch. Any derivatives transaction with U.S. persons must be effected with Commerzbank AG, in accordance with the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Commerzbank AG is not a member of SIPC and is a provisionally registered swap dealer with the CFTC. Some products or services may be unavailable in the United States.
IMPRINT
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft (public limited company)
Office premises: Kaiserplatz, 60311 Frankfurt am Main
Postal address: 60261 Frankfurt am Main
Your contact for questions to the company:
Telephone: +49 (0)69 136-20
Email: info@commerzbank.com
Commerzbank website
Authorized representatives/board:
Bettina Orlopp (Chairwoman),
Michael Kotzbauer, Sabine Mlnarsky, Thomas Schaufler, Carsten Schmitt, Bernhard Spalt, Christiane Vorspel-Rüter
Registration court:
Local Court Frankfurt am Main
Commercial register number: HRB 32000
VAT registration number:
DE–114 103 514
Supervisory authority responsible:
European Central Bank, Sonnemannstraße 20, 60314 Frankfurt/Main
Federal Financial Supervisory Authority, Graurheindorfer Straße 108, 53117 Bonn, Germany
and Marie-Curie-Straße 24–28, 60439 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
Bafin website
BAK-Nr. 100005
European online dispute resolution platform:
The European Commission has set up a European Online Dispute Resolution Platform (OS platform). A consumer may use the platform for the out-of-court settlement of a dispute arising from online contracts with a company established in the EU.
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