Volksbank Hamm defies challenges: strong growth and 220,000 euros for the common good!

Volksbank Hamm defies challenges: strong growth and 220,000 euros for the common good!

Volksbank Hamm completed a remarkably economically successful year in 2024, despite various challenges that affect the entire industry. According to reports from Lippewelle , the bank was able to increase its business volume by 3.6 percent to around 3 billion euros. This positive development includes both customer deposits as well as the securities volume and customer loans, which supports the trust and stability of the bank.

An important aspect is the increased personnel requirement, which is reinforced by the shortage of skilled workers, demographic changes as well as increasing energy prices and inflation. A survey by the Cooperative Association shows that around 48 % of the bank board members consider the influence of the shortage of skilled workers on corporate policy as high, a significant increase compared to only 14 % in 2021, such as Cooperative Association reported

members and commitment in the region

The Volksbank Hamm welcomed 160 new members last year, which increased the share of members to almost 81 percent. These members have the option of participating in decision -making processes. In addition, the local communities are supported by diverse support campaigns, donations and the Volksbank Hamm Foundation. In 2024, over 220,000 euros flowed into regional projects, which not only strengthens the economy, but also the sense of community.

Despite the success in recent years, Volksbank Hamm, one of the largest Volksbanks in Germany, has been faced with challenges. In particular, the increasing regulatory requirements bring additional pressure on the banking industry. According to the survey of the cooperative association, around 80 % of the Volks- und Raiffeisenbanken expect a strong increase in regulator, which has a significant impact on smaller banks.

regulatory challenges

The regulations are not only perceived as stressful, but also endanger the regional diversity of the loan cooperatives. In the survey, 54 % of the bank directors surveyed stated that they were open to merger scenarios, mainly due to the shortage of skilled workers and increasing regulatory skills. These factors represent a significant challenge, since small banks are increasingly difficult to cope with the increasing requirements and to remain competitive.

In addition, the EU issued the digital operational resilience act (Dora) in 2023, the implementation period of which ends on January 17, 2025. The needs for personnel, interest rate policy and digitization are also named as essential influencing factors that require strategic investments and psychologically necessary rethinking in regulatoryism, as the CEO Ingmar Rega emphasizes.

With the introduction of CSRD sustainability reporting from January 1, 2026, the loan cooperatives face further challenges. Volksbank Hamm and other institutes have to adapt to meet future requirements and at the same time continue the economic successes that they could achieve in 2024