Portrait

Landesbank Saar, Saarbrücken (SaarLB) has successfully positioned itself as the Franco-German SME bank. Boasting EUR 18.7 billion in total assets, it is the largest financial institution in the Saarland region. The Bank’s core markets are the German state of Saarland and in the neighbouring regions of France, particularly in the country’s prosperous northeast.

SaarLB’s activities are geared toward small and medium-sized enterprises, HNWI customers and customers seeking commercial real estate financing. With its “cross-border” market knowledge, the Bank is familiar with the customary business practices and legal norms in both Germany and France. Its customers are served by bilingually-trained staff.

SaarLB also provides financing for mainly regional public-sector budgets and for renewable energy projects. The Bank is authorised to issue Pfandbriefs, in accordance with the German Pfandbrief Act, and other bonds.

As the central bank to the Saarland savings banks, and in its capacity as associated partner of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe Saar, SaarLB conducts vigorous syndicate business with the regional savings banks. It is also a centre of competence , particularly in corporate finance, securities transactions and international commercial business.

The owners are the BayernLB, the German federal state of Saarland and the Sparkassenverband Saar. SaarLB employs about 540 people (basis: Annual Report 2009)