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WHITEPAPER | MAY 2025
Financial Wellbeing
The path to financial self-determination in Germany
WHITEPAPER
Financial Wellbeing in Germany
Our comprehensive white paper shows that a high proportion of the German population has financial worries and difficulties.
82%
do not know what financial wellbeing really is
52%
have financial fears on a weekly basis
27%
do not have an overview of their finances
53
Financial Wellbeing Score in Germany (0-100)
Sources: Roland Berger Financial Wellbeing Survey & Analysis, Financial Health Initiative e.V.
ABOUT US
Financial Wellbeing Whitepaper by Roland Berger & House of Finance & Tech Berlin
Financial insecurity is one of the biggest concerns of people in Germany. According to our latest study on the population's financial health, Germany has a financial wellbeing score of just 53 on a scale of 0 to 100, putting it in the middle of the international rankings.
For half of the population, their own financial situation is their biggest personal concern - ahead of extremism and climate change. One in four people have no overview of their finances and do not plan for the future.
DEFINITION
What is financial wellbeing?
Financial wellbeing describes a state in which people are financially self-determined and secure - today and in the future.
Security
Being able to absorb financial shocks and feeling secure
Target achievement
Being on the way to achieving financial goals
Freedom
Have the freedom to make fulfilling financial decisions
The three areas of demand for financial wellbeing
Our white paper identifies three key areas of need that are essential for comprehensive financial wellbeing.
Financial basis
Creating financial stability through liquidity, budget control, debt management and savings.
- Daily financial management
- Budget optimization
- Building up a nest egg
- Debt management
Investment & asset accumulation
Targeted wealth accumulation and retirement provision through long-term saving, investing and tax optimization.
- Long-term saving
- Investment strategies
- Retirement provision
- Tax optimization
Risk protection
Protection against existential risks such as illness, accident or occupational disability to safeguard your standard of living.
- Income protection
- Protection against illness
- Protection against occupational disability
- Asset protection
FINDINGS
Key findings of the study
Our study clearly shows that financial wellbeing is a complex, multidimensional issue that needs to be addressed individually.
Individualized requirements
Financial wellbeing must be considered in a multidimensional way - needs differ according to life stage and financial situation. The Roland Berger Framework enables precise segmentation.
Financial wellbeing needs are differentiated according to:
- Age cohorts: from young adults to retirees
- Initial financial situation: from financially fragile to secure
- Concrete needs: in the basic dimensions
International role models show the way
The white paper presents specific case studies that show how innovative players have developed solutions for the topic of financial wellbeing. As an example from Europe, mBank and its approach are described in more detail.
Digital solutions are the key
Comprehensive financial planning is currently almost exclusively accessible to wealthy clients. Digital and AI-supported solutions can democratize high-quality financial advice.
Opportunities through open finance
Open Finance creates the basis for integrated financial wellbeing ecosystems - with clear added value for customers and new earnings potential for financial service providers.
Solutions for more financial wellbeing
In order to promote financial wellbeing in Germany, concerted action by various players is required.
Financial service provider
Digital, personalized solutions can democratize financial advice and open up new customer segments at the same time.
- Development of API-based solutions
- AI-supported financial advice
- Integration of the three areas of demand
Public sector
Financial education, suitable infrastructure and a regulatory framework can create the basic conditions.
- Promoting financial education in schools
- Open finance framework conditions
- Tax incentives
Public-private partnerships
Cooperation between different players enables coordinated initiatives with maximum impact.
- Industry-wide standards
- Joint educational initiatives
- Coordinated research