Deutsche to sell US$1bn in shipping loans
(7 July 2016 – Europe) Germany’s largest lender, Deutsche Bank is looking to sell at least US$1 billion (A$1.33 billion) of shipping loans, sources have told Reuters.
The German bank is looking to divest of the loan book in a move to reduce its exposure to a sector whose lenders face closer scrutiny from the European Central Bank (ECB).
The news follows reports in June that the ECB has launched a review of banks' lending to the shipping sector. This has raised concerns among lenders that they may be required to set aside more capital and make higher loss provisions against loans to the industry.
"They [Deutsche Bank] are looking to lighten their portfolio and this includes toxic debt. It makes commercial sense to try and sell off some of their book," a source told reporters.
"They are not looking to exit shipping."
The bank’s ratio of non-performing loans stands at about 5 percent, compared with 10 to 15 percent among competitors, industry experts have estimated.
"However, it is difficult to agree with buyers on the mix of the portfolio such as performing, less performing, non-performing loans and different types of ships."
Deutsche Bank's global head of ship finance Klaus Stoltenberg said last month that banks would be forced to mark down their loans and adjust portfolios to market values over the next two years.
Deutsche will join other German banks, including state-owned lender HSH Nordbank and NordLB, who are trying to sell off shipping loans.
It has also been reported that the Royal Bank of Scotland is also looking to sell its Greek ship finance business, which is worth around US$3 billion. Chinese lenders have been touted as likely suitors for the loan book.
Subscribe