N26 vs Scalable Capital

Erste Bank Launches eSIM Data Plans in George App

Erste Bank has launched eSIM data plans in its George banking app, enabling customers to purchase mobile data packages for over 200 countries and regions. The feature, accessible via the Discover section, offers country-specific, regional, or global plans. Users can manage data usage, view remaining volume, and buy multiple packages for family members. Payment is currently via Apple Pay or Google Pay, with direct account billing planned later. The bank charges no additional fees; prices are set by the undisclosed telecom provider. This move positions George against neobanks like Revolut and N26, which already offer similar services. Austrian Sparkassen savings banks will adopt the feature within weeks. The eSIM service complements the existing Travel Hub, targeting travelers outside the EU where roaming costs are high.

• Erste Bank launches eSIM data plans in George app for over 200 countries.
• The feature is available in the Discover section of the George app.
• Payment is via Apple Pay or Google Pay, with direct billing planned later.

N26 Appoints Former Postbank CFO Marc Heß as New CFO

N26, the Berlin-based digital bank, has appointed Marc Heß as its new Chief Financial Officer. Heß, a former CFO of Postbank and Aareal Bank, will assume the role this week, pending regulatory approval. His appointment completes the executive board, according to supervisory board chairman Andreas Dombret. Heß brings extensive financial expertise and regulatory knowledge. The move is part of a broader management overhaul led by CEO Mike Dargan, who joined in April, focusing on traditional banking leadership. N26 reported its first annual profit in 2025, with a net income of €1.6 million, despite regulatory challenges with BaFin. Heß will succeed Arnd Schwierholz, who left in late August.

• N26 appoints Marc Heß as new CFO, effective this week.
• Heß previously served as CFO of Postbank and Aareal Bank.
• This completes N26's executive board.

Finmid Raises €17M, Partners with Bolt

Berlin-based fintech Finmid, founded in 2021 by former N26 executives Max Schertel and Alexander Talkanitsa, has raised a €17 million Series A extension round led by Big Pi Ventures and Mainset, with participation from Earlybird. The company provides white-label embedded lending services to platforms. Finmid also announced a multi-year vehicle financing deal with Estonian ride-hailing firm Bolt, offering up to €400,000 per fleet operator over four years, and a merchant lending agreement with Greek marketplace Skroutz. The new funds will support expansion into asset finance, infrastructure, underwriting, and further growth in mobility and e-commerce sectors. With this round, Finmid's total funding stands at €52 million.

• Finmid raised €17 million in a Series A extension round led by Big Pi Ventures and Mainset, with participation from Earlybird.
• The company was founded by former N26 employees Max Schertel and Alexander Talkanitsa.
• Finmid signed a multi-year vehicle financing deal with Bolt, providing up to €400,000 per fleet operator over four years.

Investor Presentation Released: Scalable Capital Bank GmbH

AI parsed presentation narrative: Scalable Capital is a leading European digital bank empowering retail investors across Europe through accessible online brokerage, automated wealth management, and high-yield overnight savings accounts. Additionally, it monetizes its technology platform through B2B white-label partnerships with major financial institutions like ING Deutschland and Raiffeisen Banking Group. Strategic pillars: Digital Retail Brokerage Expansion, Automated Digital Wealth Management.

Trade Republic launches free ETF pension deposit

Trade Republic, a Berlin-based neobroker, has announced a 'completely free' state-subsidized retirement deposit (Altersvorsorgedepot) ahead of its official launch. The offer includes no account management fees, no order fees, and permanently waived product costs for over 50 selected ETFs from Blackrock, DWS, and Vanguard. CEO Christian Hecker framed this as the start of a 'new stock culture in Europe' and aims to attract new customers through the company's largest marketing campaign to date. This aggressive pricing undercuts rivals like Scalable Capital and Smartbroker, intensifying competition for the lucrative retirement market that begins in January 2026, with government subsidies of up to 540 euros per adult and 300 euros per child annually. The deposit replaces the Riester pension.

• Trade Republic launches a completely free state-subsidized retirement deposit (Altersvorsorgedepot).
• The offer includes free account management, free orders, and permanently waived product costs for over 50 ETFs from Blackrock, DWS, and Vanguard.
• CEO Christian Hecker announces the start of a 'new stock culture in Europe' and expects significant customer growth.

Deutsche Bank Enters Price War for State-Subsidized Retirement Portfolio

Deutsche Bank is entering the competitive market for the new state-subsidized retirement investment account (Altersvorsorgedepot), which will launch in 2027. The bank emphasizes transparent pricing, avoiding 'loss-leader' offers. The product allows savers to invest in ETFs, stock funds, and bonds, with tax advantages and annual subsidies up to 540 euros (plus 300 euros per child). Deutsche Bank's standard digital-only depot, developed by DWS, will cost 0.1% annually for the first two years, then 0.28%. A more expensive advisory version costs 0.99% yearly. Competitors like Scalable Capital and Dekabank have already announced low-fee or fee-free structures. The article discusses the competitive landscape, concerns about future price increases, and the potential to boost Germany's equity culture.

• Deutsche Bank enters the Altersvorsorgedepot market with a standard digital depot costing 0.1% annually for the first two years, then 0.28%, and an advisory version at 0.99% per year.
• Scalable Capital launched the price war in August, offering no fees for depot management, savings plans, or trades on its standard depot, with running costs capped at 0.15% annually.
• Dekabank offers a standard depot with 0.1% yearly fees.