August 2025
Export Finance as a Driver for Internationalization
Drinking soda in India or refueling with bioethanol in Brazil: Export Finance makes it possible.
Transforming Germany’s Economic Model
The German economy is facing major challenges: deglobalization, excessive bureaucracy, and industrial relocation are among the most pressing issues. The implications are clear: SMEs are increasingly – and often quietly – shifting their operations abroad. As our CEO, Rainer Neske, stated, the "Business Model Germany" needs to be rethought, with global perspectives becoming vitally important. Many valuable solutions now lie beyond Germany’s borders.
Export Finance plays a key role in navigating this transformation. It provides targeted support to our corporate clients, enabling them to adapt effectively. From financing customer sales to facilitating investments both domestically and internationally, Export Finance provides a full spectrum of solutions. This versatility is underpinned by our market-leading expertise: in June, LBBW was named one of the world’s top Export Finance banks for the seventh consecutive year – a recognition of our strength and reliability in the field.
Driving the Shift
For decades, Germany has been a global export leader, shipping "Made in Germany" goods far and wide. Yet the economic environment has changed dramatically: trade wars, protectionism, and geopolitical tensions are disrupting free trade and closing off key markets. Supply chains and sales structures are being reorganized, production is being relocated, and global expansion is becoming a central strategy for businesses.
In this shifting environment, our Export Finance solutions are proving more critical than ever:
- Ein Elektrounternehmen möchte seinen Kupferbedarf finanzieren – wir sind da.
- Ein Anlagenbauer plant eine neue Fertigungsstätte im europäischen Ausland – wir haben die Lösung.
- Ein Mittelständler will neue Absatzmärkte erschließen – wir unterstützen ganzheitlich.
Three unique needs, one comprehensive answer: Export Finance.
In collaboration with our clients, we actively drive evolution and transformation. This is facilitated by leveraging state-backed Export Credit Guarantees, commonly referred to as Export Credit Agencies (ECAs). These guarantees offer multiple benefits: they minimize economic and political risks for exporters and banks, enabling favorable financing terms for all stakeholders. Clients enjoy cost-effective solutions, unlock new markets, and enhance their international competitiveness. Simultaneously, we establish ourselves as a reliable partner for international growth while strategically diversifying our product portfolio across countries and industries.
Our projects range from financing the delivery of raw materials to supporting bioethanol plants and beverage bottling facilities. In terms of geography, our reach spans from the North Sea to India and Brazil. With Export Finance, we not only forge tailored solutions for our clients but also drive long-term growth for ourselves as a bank.
Expanding the Business Model
A pivotal transformation is also occurring within our Export Finance business. Historically, the focus has been on financing exports, particularly for machinery and plant engineering projects in emerging and developing economies. However, shifting geopolitical circumstances and the increasing demand for transformation financing are reshaping the sector. Today, we offer attractive financing solutions for investments in industrialized nations as well. Furthermore, projects no longer need to be strictly tied to a specific export; as industry jargon terms it, we now also provide "untied financing."
The opportunities arising from decarbonization and economic transformation are particularly exciting. Large-scale investments in renewable energy and infrastructure projects have become political imperatives. With ECA-backed guarantees, even cutting-edge technologies, such as next-generation wind turbines or hydrogen production facilities, can be financed. This dynamic landscape has significantly broadened both the scope and potential of our business. Market approaches, target client groups, and project portfolios are becoming increasingly diverse. As a result, Export Finance is evolving into "ECA Finance" – a flexible, balance-sheet-efficient instrument for global markets that enables us to offer custom-fit financing solutions to clients, whether they’re at home or abroad.
For the seventh consecutive year, LBBW was ranked second worldwide and celebrated once again as "Bank of the Year in Export Finance."
Among the Global Leaders – For the Seventh Consecutive Year
Export Finance continues to stand as a flagship offering for LBBW on the international stage. With a relevant and ever-adaptable product portfolio, underpinned by consistent industry recognition, we maintain our leading position in the global market. For the seventh consecutive year, we have been awarded a prestigious industry accolade.
At the global conference hosted by TXF, a leading industry information provider, on June 11, 2025, in Copenhagen, LBBW was ranked second worldwide and celebrated once again as "Bank of the Year in Export Finance."
This award was determined through a comprehensive survey of exporters and importers assessing key factors such as customer service and industry expertise. Michael Maurer, Head of Global Trade & Export Finance, said: "Once again, we’ve demonstrated that LBBW is among the leading Export Finance banks in a highly competitive market. Our success is built on trusted collaboration with clients and a strong, cross-functional team that spans borders." Nanette Bubik, Head of Export Finance, added: "Delivering strong performance during such transformative times is a remarkable achievement. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our colleagues, front to back, who made this success possible!"
