DZ HYP successfully took advantage of the strong market momentum for real estate transactions during 2021. The Bank’s market position was further strengthened by a 12 per cent new business volume increase in real estate finance, to reach €12.0 billion (including business with public-sector clients). Strong demand for residential real estate is reflected in the figures: in the Retail Customers segment, DZ HYP increased its volume of new commitments by around 32 per cent to €2.7 billion, whilst the volume in joint lending business with German cooperative banks in the Corporate Clients segment of around €3.9 billion rose in comparison to the previous year’s figure of €3.3 billion.

DZ HYP consistently pursued its business and risk strategy during the reporting year; the Bank's economic situation is therefore stable and its performance position solid – despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Net interest income amounted to €668.7 million and thus exceeded the previous year’s figure by €63.3 million, whereas general administrative expenses of €251.3 million were in line with the figure for 2020. Risk provisioning expenses in the lending business were markedly lower than expected: operating profit of €339.4 million (previous year: €276.8 million) thus once again surpassed the Bank’s own projections.

As a forward-looking measure, and for the sake of sustainability, the Annual Report is only published in digital form. The digital report is available at geschaeftsbericht2021.dzhyp.de/en and contains a separate image section in which the Bank looks back over the 2021 financial year and provides an overview of highlights, notably DZ HYP’s 100th anniversary. Furthermore, there is a section detailing the development of the Retail Customer segment – with its host of new products and services, including improved terms and conditions. Last but not least, the image report gives insight into DZ HYP’s employer branding and social media activities, along with the Bank’s various event formats.