Deutsche Bank beats profit expectations in fourth-quarter earnings

Deutsche Bank reported a record net profit for the fourth quarter of 2025, underscoring a period of strong financial performance even as it faces renewed regulatory investigations.

The German lender announced Thursday that net profit attributable to shareholders reached 1.3 billion euros ($1.56 billion) for the quarter, surpassing analyst expectations of 1.12 billion euros. Group revenue for the period was 7.73 billion euros, aligning closely with market forecasts.

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Key financial metrics showed continued strength. The bank's CET1 capital ratio, a critical measure of financial resilience, stood at a robust 14.2%. Additionally, credit impairment charges—reflecting potential loan losses—came in at 395 million euros, lower than both analyst estimates and the previous quarter's figure.

The strong earnings report arrives amidst heightened legal scrutiny. Just one day prior, German federal prosecutors launched an investigation into alleged money laundering activities at the bank, conducting searches at its Frankfurt and Berlin offices. Deutsche Bank stated it is "cooperating fully" with authorities.

The juxtaposition of record profitability and ongoing legal challenges highlights the complex environment for the Frankfurt-based institution as it strives to maintain operational momentum while navigating regulatory compliance.

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