World Savings and Retail Banking Institute
Helping savings and retail banks around the world to thrive
European Savings and Retail Banking Group
The voice of savings and retail banks at the heart of EU decision making
Driven by the three "R's"
With roots in 1924, WSBI-ESBG members enjoy a long history of socially responsible banking around the world. Although organizational structures vary from country to country, they each share certain values in their business models, embedded within the three “R”s.

Social responsibility is a core value of our members, towards their clients, employees, communities and the environment. Unlike Wall Street players, WSBI members are Main Street players.

Retail
Actively providing financial services for people – individual consumers and their households – as well as for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and local authorities.

Regional
Deploy broad distribution networks rooted within the communities they serve, including local and regional outreach in both urban and rural areas. Savings mobilized locally support the local economy. Members offer both digital solutions but they also keep the human touch through extensive branch networks.

Responsible
Social responsibility is a core value of our members, towards their clients, employees, communities and the environment. Unlike Wall Street players, WSBI members are Main Street players, serving all segments of population. Savings and retail banks follow a balanced approach for financial sustainability and a return to society. Profits make a sustainable bank; profit maximization should not be the ultimate goal. ESBG member banks rather give back part of locally made profits by reinvesting in the communities they serve, such as via philanthropic projects and foundation work.
Together WSBI and ESBG...

WSBI ESBG
WSBI ESBG Charter for Responsible and Sustainable Business
A signatory of the United Nations Global Compact since 2006, WSBI-ESBG follows the 10 Principles within it. These principles describe fully social and environmental responsibility commitments to follow. WSBI-ESBG is supportive of the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, which range from ending world poverty to fighting climate change by 2030.

67
COUNTRIES

88
MEMBERS

1.563
BILION CUSTOMERS

19,63
TRILLION IN TOTAL ASSSETS(EUROS)
January 19, 2023
ESBG co-signs cross-business statement on future corporate due diligence rules
The statement focused on key messages that large parts of the international business sector…
January 18, 2023
WSBI-ESBG Managing Director Peter Simon appointed EBIC Chair
The EBIC announced today that Peter SIMON was appointed as
January 12, 2023
The 28th African Regional Group Meeting convenes in Cape Verde
Representing 27 financial institutions from 20 countries, WSBI Africa Regional Group convened in…
January 11, 2023
ESBG’s letter to the Commission on the EBA RTS and GL on interest rate risk in the banking book
Whilst we support a revision of the framework capturing interest rate risks for banking book…
January 3, 2023
WSBI and BTN Collaboration Encourages Global Financial Digitalization and Inclusion
This very intense three-day event was a great chance to concretely discuss best practices and share…
December 16, 2022
Joint Industry letter on the importance of advice and preserving the commission-based model
ESBG welcomed the intentions of the EC and DG FISMS to assess how the retail investor protection…
December 9, 2022
Value for money approach: ESBG position
ESBG welcomed the intentions of the EC and DG FISMS to assess how the retail investor protection…
December 7, 2022
WSBI-ESBG shares its position on the draft FATF Guidance on the transparency and beneficial ownership of legal persons
The FATF Recommendations set out global AML/CFT measures and should be implemented by countries in…
December 7, 2022
ESBG’s response to FATF draft amendments on the transparency and beneficial ownership of legal arrangements
Following a white paper on the revision of the rules on the transparency and beneficial ownership
January 11, 2023
ESBG’s letter to the Commission on the EBA RTS and GL on interest rate risk in the banking book
Whilst we support a revision of the framework capturing interest rate risks for banking book…
January 11, 2023
ESBG responds to the ESAs call for evidence on greenwashing
Therefore, in the interest of customers, banks, saving banks and issuers of financial products,…
January 4, 2023
ESBG provides input on technical negotiations of the Artificial Intelligence Act
The definition of AI remains a highly debated issue. According to ESBG members, the proposed
January 3, 2023
Crypto-asset Activities: WSBI-ESBG calls for a more consistent regulatory approach
The said framework sets out a) the key issues and challenges in developing a comprehensive
January 3, 2023
WSBI-ESGB members call for aligned approach between regulatory bodies on Cyber incident reporting
On 17 October 2022, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) published a consultative document
December 16, 2022
Joint Industry letter on the importance of advice and preserving the commission-based model
ESBG welcomed the intentions of the EC and DG FISMS to assess how the retail investor protection…
December 9, 2022
Value for money approach: ESBG position
ESBG welcomed the intentions of the EC and DG FISMS to assess how the retail investor protection…
December 7, 2022
WSBI-ESBG shares its position on the draft FATF Guidance on the transparency and beneficial ownership of legal persons
The FATF Recommendations set out global AML/CFT measures and should be implemented by countries in…
December 7, 2022
ESBG’s response to FATF draft amendments on the transparency and beneficial ownership of legal arrangements
Following a white paper on the revision of the rules on the transparency and beneficial ownership
December 2, 2022
Call for clarification on the Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive
The European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG) response to the EU Commission's call for…
The 28th African Regional Group Meeting convenes in Cape Verde
Representing 27 financial institutions from 20 countries, WSBI Africa Regional Group convened in Cape Verde during 6-7 October 2022.
WSBI – 28th Meeting of the Asia Pacific Regional Group
The goal is to give a platform and a voice to socially responsible banking institutions to discuss and advance their interests with the world’s most consequential decision-makers
Payment Fintech:Quo Vadis?
ESBG Spotlight 6 December 2022 – Jan Vermeulen (NBB), Payment Fintech: Quo Vadis?