Deutsche Bank considers UK exit as EU referendum looms

Natalie Kenway
clock

Deutsche Bank could move parts of its business from the UK to Germany if a referendum ends the UK's membership of the European Union.

The group is the first bank to publicly state it is examining the potential impact of a Brexit by setting up a "working group", according to the Financial Times, although it is in the early stages and "no decisions have been made yet".

Prime Minister David Cameron promised a referendum by the end of 2017 if the Conservatives won by a majority, which was the case in the recent elections.

However, many businesses and key industry figures have urged the government to carry out the referendum as soon as possible to avoid a period of uncertainty.

Last week Britain's Bank of England Governor Mark Carney and foreign secretary Philip Hammond called for a "fast" referendum on Britain's place in the EU.

Carney said the government should move towards a referendum "with appropriate speed", warning uncertainty is causing problems for business.

Further reading: Should wealth managers and providers fear a Brexit?

More on UK

UK investors turn to domestic assets in show of market confidence
UK

UK investors turn to domestic assets in show of market confidence

Reassessing role in portfolios

Michael Nelson
clock 09 June 2026 • 2 min read
BoE 'cannot wait for hard evidence' of second-round effects on interest rate decisions
UK

BoE 'cannot wait for hard evidence' of second-round effects on interest rate decisions

BoE governor Andrew Bailey

Michael Nelson
clock 03 June 2026 • 2 min read
Sterling trading activity ramps up amid UK political turmoil
UK

Sterling trading activity ramps up amid UK political turmoil

FTSE 100 sentiment resilient

Michael Nelson
clock 20 May 2026 • 2 min read
Trustpilot