Award 2026

Regional banks often fly under the radar – yet they play a central role in the German financial landscape. As stable partners for citizens, reliable companions for small and medium-sized enterprises, and local economic forces, they contribute daily to what drives our economy and society.

With "Germany's BEST Local Banks," we are offering a platform for the second time to institutions that impress with their proximity, responsibility, and reliable products. For many people, their local bank is more than just a place for financial transactions. It represents dependability, trust, and continuity.

That's why we're now putting regional banks back in the spotlight.

Award ceremony held as part of the Handelsblatt Banking Summit in Frankfurt

The award ceremony will take place during the Handelsblatt Banking Summit on the afternoon of September 2, 2026. Rewarding banks will be honored on stage and will have the opportunity to network with the best regional banks and participate in the Banking Summit at discounted rates.

• When?: 2. September 2026, from about 5 pm

• Where?: Kap Europa, Messe Frankfurt Congress Center, Osloer Str. 5, 60327 Frankfurt am Main

Our highlights for you:

• Welcome from the Handelsblatt editorial team
• Moderation: Jessica Schwarzer
• Exclusive insights into the study results, Max Herbst, FMH
• Trophy presentation on stage · Networking, get-togethers and terrace conversations, professional event catering, photo wall, event photographer and videographer

selection process

As part of our analysis to identify the best bank in selected cities, we apply a multidimensional evaluation model. The focus is on questions that are particularly relevant to customers: What terms and conditions does the bank offer? How easily accessible is it locally? And what products are available if needed?

Overall, the analysis includes 196 cities with a total of 356 banks to determine the best local bank in each city.

First, we determine which banks are represented in the respective city, its population, and the number of branches each institution has. Then, we research the banks' terms and conditions and offers. This is based on FMH Financial Consulting's ongoing market monitoring, supplemented by data from other regional banks and savings banks. The evaluation of product terms is always specific to the city in question.

The core products are given particular weight. Current account, savings account and fixed-term deposit. For overnight deposits, the interest rate for existing customers is taken into account; for fixed-term deposits, offers with maturities of one, two, and three years are included in the evaluation. These core areas account for a total of 73 out of a possible 110 points. The terms and conditions for overdraft facilities, overnight money and fixed-term deposits are recorded on a fixed cut-off date, which is specified for each city.

In addition to the terms and conditions, the breadth of the product range is also taken into account. Regarding the availability of Home financing, installment loans and insurance A total of up to 5 points will be awarded. A further 5 points are awarded for the Depot offer as well as up to 5 points on additional offers and special features.

Furthermore, a key feature of the house bank approach is the physical customer proximity. The branch density flows with a maximum 22 points or 20 percent This is factored into the overall assessment. The number of branches is compared to the population of the respective city.

Evaluation for young adults

The evaluation of the „"Home bank for young adults"“ It follows essentially the same approach, but takes greater account of the products and requirements relevant to this target group. Additionally, it considers factors such as the maximum age (how long one is considered a "young adult") and possible conditions like proof of education.

Instead of fixed-term deposit offers, the ETF savings plan rated with up to 15 points. Mortgages, installment loans, and insurance policies are not included in this category's evaluation. Branch density is rated at a maximum of [value missing]. 16 points This takes into account approximately 20 percent of the total 82 possible points corresponds.

This methodology forms the basis for awarding the best local banks in each city.

In the separate category „"Commercial bank"“ a total of nine commercial banks The study examined the number of current branches nationwide for commercial banks operating across Germany. This involved considering the number of commercial banks within each city, and only the best-performing commercial bank among those with similar characteristics was evaluated.

In another category, 21 direct banks were also evaluated based on the aspect „"Direct bank as your primary bank"“ The branch network evaluation was included in a separate analysis. Within these two additional groups, the primary bank for "General" and "Young Adults" customers was examined and awarded.

 

Results tables of the awards

Scientific partner: FMH Financial Consulting
Expertise for over 40 years. Independent, precise, recognized.

FMH Financial Consulting has been a fixture in the German financial market since 1986. As the first company in Germany, it recognized the need for independent interest rate comparisons long before comparison portals were established. What began with the aim of finding the truly best, commission-free mortgage financing for every client quickly developed into a recognized authority for objective interest rate analyses.

FMH has been working closely with leading media outlets, including Handelsblatt and WirtschaftsWoche, since the late 1980s. Both media brands regularly draw on FMH's data, analyses, and expertise to ensure their financial reporting is well-founded and up-to-date.

From savings and checking accounts to mortgage financing, FMH provides reliable comparisons, in-depth market knowledge, and independent analyses. Close collaboration with end customers, providers, and media representatives ensures a comprehensive view of the industry.

As a scientific partner of „Germany’s BEST House Banks“, FMH brings not only decades of experience but also a long-standing media partnership with Handelsblatt – in the service of objective, quality-assured financial information.

Winner 2026

Among the numerous applicants and nominees, one impressed Aysel Osmanoglu The jury, with its impressive resume and commitment: The CEO of GLS Bank once fled Bulgaria; today she leads the bank with a strong focus on values and a visionary approach. Since taking the helm, she has initiated a noticeable cultural shift and further improved the bank's results in 2025.

The finalists also include Jessica Holzbach Ursinus, multi-founder, investor and supervisory board member, who is also involved as a mentor, and Edith Weymayr, Chairwoman of the Board of L-Bank, who shapes debates on digitalization, sustainability and modern administration within her company and beyond, and is committed to equal opportunities.