Europe Launches Defence, Security and Resilience Bank Backed by Top Global Banks

A major milestone in European defence finance was reached this week as ING and four other leading banks threw their support behind the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB). This multilateral institution is being created to help NATO members and allied nations fund defence production, procurement, and broader security needs at a time of increasing geopolitical tension.

Alongside ING, the founding financial backers include Commerzbank, JP Morgan, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW), and RBC Capital Markets. The DSRB’s launch follows the recent NATO pledge for its members to devote 5% of their GDP to defence, marking a significant investment shift across Europe and its allies.

The DSRB will issue AAA-rated bonds to enable participating countries to finance military modernization and boost supply chain resilience. Banks will contribute their financial and technical expertise, providing guidance on sovereign lending, capital structuring, risk management, and investor access. This initiative not only supports immediate security needs, but also aims to build robust long-term foundations for European and Indo-Pacific defence.

The project has won endorsements from both the European Parliament and a UK government task force. A detailed plan and draft charter are now being prepared by a broad development group that brings together bankers, investment specialists, and top defence policy leaders. Plans are in place to expand the roster of partner banks as the DSRB moves from blueprint to operations—anchoring Europe’s commitment to collective security through innovative finance.

https://www.ing.com/Newsroom/News/ING-backs-new-defence-bank-for-Europe.htm