Netherlands

Resilient Payments: Cash, Card, Connected - Opening Address

DNB Executive Board member Bas ter Weel delivered the opening address at the Retail Payments Research Conference 2026, outlining DNB's Payment Strategy for 2026-2028 focused on building resilient, secure and accessible payment systems. The speech emphasized maintaining cash infrastructure as a fallback during digital disruptions, reducing reliance on non-European players in critical payment chains, and promoting European digital payment options including a future digital euro.

Securitisation market diversifies; residential mortgages lose their dominance

DNB published statistical data showing the composition of the Dutch securitisation market has shifted significantly between 2020 and 2025. The share of non-mortgage loans in securitisations rose from 12% to 29%, with outstanding volume almost doubling to €8.5 billion. This growth was driven by non-bank entities including consumer credit companies and leasing firms securitising car loans, consumer loans, and SME equipment leases.

Dutch Workers Spend Fifth of Hours on Non-Core Tasks

DNB published survey results showing Dutch workers spend approximately 20% of their working hours on non-core tasks such as meetings and administrative duties. Education and public sector workers report the highest proportion of non-core tasks, while retail and hospitality workers report lower proportions. DNB notes that organizations with explicit policies to reduce non-core task burdens report 45% of workers feeling high burden versus 58% in organizations without such policies.

Marike Knoef Appointed to DNB Supervisory Board

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) announces the appointment of Professor Marike Knoef to its Supervisory Board effective 1 April 2026. Knoef, Dean of the Tilburg School of Economics and Management, replaces Mirjam van Praag who stepped down on 1 March 2026. The appointment was made by Finance Minister Eelco Heenen for an initial four-year term.

Netherlands Financial Ties with the Middle East Limited

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) reported that the Netherlands' trade with the Middle East accounted for less than 5% of total Dutch imports and exports in 2025, totaling €47 billion in exports and €21 billion in imports. Direct investment and portfolio investments in the region are also limited, representing approximately 3% and less than 1% of the Netherlands' total foreign investments, respectively.

Middle East War Impact on Dutch Economy: Inflation and Growth Forecasts

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has published new calculations on the impact of the Middle East war on the Dutch economy. The analysis indicates that the conflict could significantly raise inflation and slow economic growth, with updated scenarios considering higher energy prices and market uncertainty.

DNB Outlook: Strengthening Netherlands and Europe Amidst Uncertainty

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has published an outlook alongside its 2025 Annual Report, emphasizing the need to strengthen the Dutch economy and the European Union in response to global uncertainties, including the war in the Middle East. The report outlines scenarios for higher inflation and slower growth, stressing the importance of EU resilience and autonomy.

DNB Resilience Programme for Geopolitical Risks

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has launched a resilience programme to identify and strategize against geopolitical risks impacting the financial sector and its own operations. The programme assesses various scenarios, including cyber threats and operational disruptions, and aims to enhance organizational agility and efficiency.

BondAuction Europe B.V. Fined €10,125 for Capital Shortfall

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) imposed an administrative fine of €10,125 on BondAuction Europe B.V. for repeatedly failing to maintain sufficient own funds. The firm experienced capital shortfalls on two occasions within a 25-month period, falling below the minimum requirement of €75,000.

DNB Payment Strategy 2026-2028: Broadening Options and Strengthening Resilience

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has released its Payment Strategy 2026-2028, aiming to enhance payment system resilience and autonomy by broadening options for consumers, retailers, and payment service providers. The strategy prioritizes reducing dependence on non-European entities and encouraging innovation, including the development of a digital euro and DLT solutions.