Financial Sector Tops Lobbying Expenditures in German Politics

Newly strengthened transparency rules reveal nearly €40 million spent annually by finance industry lobbyists to influence legislation.

The financial sector, including banks, insurers, and investment firms, leads German lobbying efforts with nearly €40 million in annual expenditures, according to the Bundestag's lobby register.
Ten of the top 100 lobbying entities by budget are from the finance industry, employing 442 registered lobbyists to influence legislative processes.
New regulations introduced in March 2024 require lobbyists to disclose specific laws they aim to influence and upload core points of their demands to the register.
The strengthened lobby register has improved transparency, revealing the extent of influence by financial lobbyists and the frequent movement of former politicians into lobbying roles.
Critics highlight the disproportionate resources of the financial lobby compared to civil society organizations, with the insurance sector alone spending €15 million annually.