January 2026 euro area bank lending survey

Euro Area Bank Lending Survey: January 2026 Highlights

Recent findings from the January 2026 bank lending survey reveal that euro area banks have become more cautious, tightening their lending criteria for businesses due to heightened risk concerns and a reduced appetite for risk. While there was a modest relaxation in standards for housing loans, banks imposed stricter requirements for consumer credit.

Loan demand from companies experienced a slight uptick, and requests for housing loans also saw moderate growth. However, ongoing trade disputes and the resulting uncertainty contributed to stricter lending conditions and curbed overall appetite for new loans.