Deutsche Bank Vice explains how to deal with greenwashing allegations

Karl von Rohr, deputy head of Deutsche Bank, sees possible failures at the fund subsidiary DWS, which is faced with allegations of greenwashing. "Certainly, with today's knowledge, one would look more critically at some statements," he told WELT AM SONNTAG. However, it was very difficult to define what is sustainable.

The clarification of the affair is progressing according to plan: "Of course we followed up on the available information," said the manager. However, the bank will only comment on the details of the procedure after the ongoing investigations have been completed in consultation with the authorities.

Von Rohr, who represents private customer business on the bank's board of directors, sees the further integration of Postbank on course. "The schedule is set," he said. The last wave of migration should take place in the middle of the year. However, the manager did not give a specific date.

Both brands could also move closer together in the branches. "After integrating the IT, we could also look after customers of the other brand in the branch," said von Rohr. The attempt to look after customers at one location in separate rooms has proven successful. "That worked well, we want to expand that," said the Deutsche Bank manager.

He left open whether the bank wants to extend a contract with Deutsche Post that expires in 2025, which obliges it to operate branches. "We will make a decision on this with Deutsche Post in due course," said von Rohr.

A new digital offering aimed at “customers with long-term investment needs” should start in the first half of 2024. Rohr was evasive about his personal future. "The supervisory board usually decides on contract extensions six months before they expire," he said. He left open whether he wanted to continue himself. In the bank, it is questionable whether the 57-year-old's contract, which expires in October, will be extended.