Nord LB

Helaba, or Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen, is a German Landesbank (state-owned bank). It is currently newsworthy due to a recent profit decline in 2025 after three record years, and concerns about its real estate loan portfolio. While competitors like Deutsche Bank, DZ Bank, and Commerzbank achieved record results in 2025, Helaba experienced a 4.8% profit decrease to €731 million. A significant portion of Helaba's real estate loans, nearly ten percent, are considered at risk. Despite the bank's claim of early risk assessment and a decreasing need for risk provisions, Helaba anticipates a further profit decline. 2026 is expected to be a transition year for the bank, and the realism of a predicted strong profit increase thereafter is being questioned. The bank's performance is significant as it reflects broader challenges within the German real estate market and the banking sector's exposure to these risks.