Key facts
- Aggregate derivatives exposures across 30 European banks grew 11.2% to €1.63 trillion by end-June 2026.
Derivatives exposures at 30 of Europe's largest banks increased by 11.2% to €1.63 trillion in the first half of 2026. The surge, the largest six-month jump since 2022, was primarily driven by PFE add-ons, according to a Risk Quantum analysis.
The significant increase in derivatives exposures at major European banks could indicate a growing reliance on these instruments for hedging or speculation, potentially increasing systemic risk if not managed effectively.
Derivatives exposures at 30 of Europe's largest banks surged by 11.2% in the first half of 2026, reaching €1.63 trillion by the end of June. This represents the largest six-month increase in four years, according to a Risk Quantum analysis. The growth was largely driven by PFE add-ons, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of the increase. Exposures rose at 25 of the 30 banks analyzed, with ten reaching their highest levels in five years.
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