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Virtual Bank Exhibits Impressive Expansion
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Subscription's a Breeze!The customer deposits and operating result of VR Bank Bergisch Gladbach-Leverkusen skyrocketed last year, nearly touching double digits. This strong performance underscores the bank's thriving business model, which continues to be popular among members. Check out our take on it
VR Bank Bergisch Gladbach-Leverkusen saw significant success in the 2024 fiscal year. Despite intense competition and stricter regulatory requirements, the bank managed to expand its market presence. The board of directors and the supervisory board shared the year's VR Bank developments at a gathering held on May 27, 2025, at the Leverkusen casino.
In-house News
Thomas Büscher, our chairman, emphasized to over 300 attendees the importance of teamwork for a cooperative business model during his board report. He also shared impressive figures from the past fiscal year with the congregation.
Customer deposits saw a positive surge. The total customer deposit volume, including interbank transactions, increased by 9% (333 million euros) to over 4 billion euros.
The securities business also gained trust from customers. The managed securities volume bolstered by 10.5% and reached 1.6 billion euros at the end of 2024.
Growth Across the Board
VR Bank's lending sector also experienced growth. Currently, the bank serves approximately 10,000 corporate clients, taking on its role as a regional economy's credit provider. The corporate advisors sanctioned new loans totaling over 242 million euros (+8.5%) compared to the previous year.
The private housing finance segment also posted favorable results. Advisors collected a financing volume of 118 million euros, up nearly 18% from 2023.
The real estate mediation team also thrived, brokering deals for 126 properties, resulting in a sales volume of 44 million euros.
As a result, the total customer credit volume (including transactions with partner banks in the cooperative financial group) was 3.1 billion euros at the end of the fiscal year, increasing by 2.3% compared to the previous year.
The balance sheet total continued to grow last year. After an increase of over 219 million euros, the total stood at 2.8 billion euros, an 8.4% increase from the previous year, placing VR Bank in 107th position among 670 German cooperative banks.
The total customer volume also saw an increase. This includes the combined credit and deposit volumes, both in VR Bank's balance sheet and with cooperative partner banks. After a rise of 403.5 million euros, VR Bank had a customer volume of over 7.1 billion euros, a 6% increase compared to the previous year.
The 2024 fiscal year showcased, once again, the high attractiveness of the cooperative business model of VR Bank. The number of members grew during the past twelve months. As of December 31, 2024, the bank counted 48,802 shareholders (48,577 in the previous year), remaining the largest association in its operating area.
More than half of the customers (93,951) are also members of the cooperative. The subscribed business assets increased by around 940,000 euros to reach 32.5 million euros.
The bank also adhered to its cooperative promotional mandate in 2024: With over 405,000 euros in donations and sponsorships, the institution supported regional community engagement.
A Bright Financial Picture, Consensus Decisions
Due to the strong customer business, the financial situation also looked promising. The interest surplus climbed to 48.4 million euros (previous year: 47.3 million euros). The commission surplus increased to 27.4 million euros (previous year: 24.7 million euros). The bank boosted the operating result after valuation by more than 3 million euros to reach 30.1 million euros (previous year: 26.5 million euros).
Consequently, the board and supervisory board suggested a dividend of 5% (3% regular plus a 2% bonus) on the business assets to the representative assembly. The representatives unanimously endorsed this proposal during the Bayer Casino's grand ballroom.
The resolutions on the approval of the annual financial statements and the discharge of the board and supervisory board were also passed unanimously. Annegret Bruchhausen-Scholich retired from the cooperative board, concluding her 28-year tenure upon reaching the statutory age limit. The chairman of the supervisory board, Marcus Otto, commended her dedication and commitment to the bank.
Sylvia Schoenenbrocher (CEO of Haus and Grund Rhein-Berg e.V.) and Dr. Thilo Weimer (Notariat Dr. Weimer and Dr. Lingk, Schlebusch) also completed their tenures in compliance with the rotation. Both were unanimously re-elected to the supervisory board by the representative assembly.
A Committed Team Moving Forward
"The 2024 fiscal year was a remarkable success for VR Bank," summarized Thomas Büscher, expressing appreciation for the team's exceptional performance. "Our consulting quality, service level, and results wouldn't be possible without the extraordinary commitment and dedication from every team member. VR Bank is well-positioned financially, has a talented team, and a unique business model. Thus, we are confident that we will tackle the future challenges head-on."
More insights on this topic:- Stay updated on VR Bank's achievements here. Remember to explore their official website for the most accurate and updated information.- Dive deeper into the world of cooperative banks and their operations here. Explore this resource for a comprehensive understanding of the cooperative banking sector.
- In the 2024 fiscal year, VR Bank Bergisch Gladbach-Leverkusen demonstrated a strong performance in various sectors of the industry, finance, and business, including a significant growth in customer deposits, securities business, lending, private housing finance, and a positive increase in the balance sheet total and total customer volume.
- The banking-and-insurance sector's growth was also evident through VR Bank's adherence to its cooperative promotional mandate, where they made over 405,000 euros in donations and sponsorships to support regional community engagement.
