Senior Non Preferred Debt MREL Eligible Europe 2026

Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Senior Non Preferred Debt MREL Eligible Europe 2026

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Written by Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Senior Non Preferred Debt MREL Eligible Europe 2026

The market for Senior Non-Preferred Debt (SNPD) in Europe has been gaining significant traction as financial institutions adapt to regulatory frameworks and capital requirements. As of 2023, the total market size for MREL (Minimum Requirement for own funds and Eligible Liabilities) eligible instruments has reached approximately €1 trillion, reflecting the growing emphasis on robust capital buffers. With the European Banking Authority (EBA) indicating that banks need to increase their MREL to meet the Basel III standards, the demand for SNPD is expected to rise significantly by 2026, offering new investment opportunities and diversification options for institutional investors.

1. Germany

Germany is the largest market for SNPD in Europe, with an estimated issuance volume of €350 billion by 2026. German banks like Deutsche Bank have actively issued Non-Preferred Senior debt to bolster their capital structures in line with MREL requirements.

2. France

France follows closely with an expected issuance of around €200 billion in SNPD by 2026. Major players such as BNP Paribas and Société Générale have been pivotal in shaping the market, leveraging SNPD to optimize their funding strategies.

3. Italy

Italy’s market for SNPD is projected to reach €150 billion. Prominent banks like UniCredit are increasingly issuing Non-Preferred Senior debt to enhance their capital buffers, making it a key player in the European landscape.

4. Spain

Spain is anticipated to issue approximately €100 billion in SNPD by 2026. Institutions like Banco Santander are utilizing these instruments to comply with MREL, providing investors with stability and security.

5. Netherlands

The Netherlands is expected to see SNPD issuance reach €75 billion. Dutch banks, including ING Group, are active in this space, enhancing their capital adequacy and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

6. Ireland

Ireland’s SNPD market is projected to hit €50 billion by 2026. Banks like Bank of Ireland have started issuing Non-Preferred Senior debt to meet MREL requirements while improving their funding profiles.

7. Belgium

Belgium’s issuance of SNPD is estimated at €45 billion. Key players such as KBC Group have been engaged in issuing these instruments, addressing both regulatory pressures and investor demand.

8. Austria

Austria is expected to reach an SNPD issuance of €30 billion. Major banks like Raiffeisen Bank are leveraging these instruments to enhance their capital positions amid a tightening regulatory environment.

9. Switzerland

Switzerland’s SNPD market is projected to reach €25 billion. Swiss banks, including UBS, are focusing on capital optimization through these debt instruments as they navigate stringent regulatory landscapes.

10. Sweden

Sweden’s market for SNPD is anticipated to be around €20 billion. Major financial institutions like Nordea are issuing these products to meet MREL standards while catering to investor preferences for secure assets.

11. Denmark

Denmark is expected to issue approximately €15 billion in SNPD by 2026. Banks such as Danske Bank have been proactive in this domain, ensuring compliance with capital requirements.

12. Finland

Finland’s SNPD market is projected to reach €10 billion. Financial institutions like OP Financial Group are engaging in issuing Non-Preferred Senior debt to strengthen their capital frameworks.

13. Norway

Norway’s SNPD issuance is estimated to be around €8 billion. Banks such as DNB are actively participating in the market, focusing on enhancing their capital adequacy under MREL guidelines.

14. Portugal

Portugal’s expected SNPD issuance is approximately €7 billion. Major banks like Caixa Geral de Depósitos are leveraging these instruments to meet their capital requirements effectively.

15. Greece

Greece’s market for SNPD is anticipated to reach €5 billion by 2026. Key players like National Bank of Greece are issuing these instruments to strengthen their balance sheets.

16. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is projected to issue around €4 billion in SNPD. Financial institutions such as Česká spořitelna are increasingly adopting these instruments to comply with regulatory standards.

17. Hungary

Hungary’s SNPD market is expected to reach €3 billion. Banks like OTP Bank are engaging in the issuance of Non-Preferred Senior debt to improve their capital buffers.

18. Slovakia

Slovakia’s issuance of SNPD is anticipated to be around €2 billion. Banks such as VUB Bank are participating in this growing market to meet MREL requirements.

19. Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s SNPD market is projected to hit €1 billion by 2026. Local banks are beginning to explore Non-Preferred Senior debt as a viable funding option.

20. Romania

Romania’s expected issuance of SNPD is approximately €1 billion. Financial institutions such as Banca Transilvania are starting to engage in this market segment, responding to regulatory pressures.

Insights and Trends

The Senior Non-Preferred Debt market in Europe is on a robust growth trajectory driven by regulatory changes and the increasing need for banks to meet MREL requirements. By 2026, the total issuance of SNPD across Europe is projected to exceed €1 trillion, highlighting its significance in capital management strategies. Additionally, the growing trend towards sustainable finance and ESG-compliant investments is likely to shape the future of SNPD issuance, as banks adapt to evolving market demands and investor preferences. As the market evolves, institutions that proactively leverage these instruments will likely emerge as leaders in capital adequacy and investor confidence.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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