OWNERSHIP STABILIZATION OF SAVINGS BANKS BY FOUNDATIONS
Foundations have recently played a specific role in the transformation of savings banks to joint stock companies (corporations) in Europe. The current discussion about the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and the growing responsibility of depositors in the event of bankruptcy, shifts the risk from the banking industry to a group that traditionally was never affected. As a support, and also as security for depositors of risk-sensitive and risk-responsible credit institutions, the group of owners becomes even more relevant. Within groups that are possible, a foundation, as owner, can intensify stability and signalize risk awareness and responsibility. This paper analyzes the innovative aspects and positive effects of a savings bank’s foundation as well as the problems of retaining typical features of a savings bank.