German banks unite to share fraud data securely
Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) have created a collaborative initiative to fight financial crime by combining institutional data. The new system will concentrate first on identifying fraud schemes such as phishing, investment fraud, and romance fraud through shared insights while keeping individual customer information confidential.
The framework employs multi-party computation, a cryptographic technique that enables banks to cross-check fraud signals without disclosing transaction specifics. Access to the data is restricted to essential analysis purposes only. The joint statement confirms that each participating bank maintains full authority over fraud detection and protective measures.
Work on the platform is underway, though no official launch date has been announced. The partners stress that this tool will work alongside, not replace, existing government and regulatory safeguards. A larger network of contributors will enhance the database’s effectiveness, delivering greater collective benefits.
Joachim Schmalzl, a member of DSGV‘s board, described the move as a transition from isolated competition to industry-wide cooperation. The banks are building on prior efforts: Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank had previously collaborated on Hesse’s safeAML initiative, which leveraged Hawk AI to monitor suspicious financial activity. Commerzbank also revealed in early 2026 that it would integrate Hawk AI’s AML risk model through a separate agreement.
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This joint venture differs from earlier projects by addressing a wider range of fraud, including social engineering tactics. The adoption of cryptographic protections reflects broader industry moves toward secure data sharing, though such approaches remain uncommon beyond specialized cases. If expanded, the model could establish a standard for cross-institutional fraud prevention.
Additional banks may join the initiative, with the expectation that wider participation will improve detection capabilities. The partners have not yet specified whether access will involve fees or if the platform will function as a nonprofit service.
The collaboration builds on existing tools while introducing a more full fraud-fighting approach. The use of advanced encryption ensures privacy, addressing a key concern in financial data sharing. Should the project gain traction, it may influence how banks globally approach collaborative security efforts.
