Association of Foreign Banks

The Association of Foreign Banks (AFB) is a longstanding organization representing the interests of foreign banks operating within the UK and the EU financial market. Established in 1947, the AFB serves as an advocate for international banks, facilitating dialogue between its members and regulatory bodies, including EU institutions. The association focuses on promoting fair regulatory and operational conditions that enable foreign banks to compete effectively while complying with EU financial regulations. They engage in regulatory and policy advocacy, addressing a broad spectrum of issues such as market access, cross-border banking services, compliance, financial crime, capital requirements, and banking supervisory matters at the EU level. The AFB often collaborates with other financial industry organizations and national foreign bank associations to amplify their collective voice in Brussels. Its lobbying efforts in the EU centre on influencing legislation, regulatory proposals, and implementation processes to sustain a competitive and open banking environment favorable to foreign banking institutions.

The association is headquartered in the UK, representing a wide membership comprising international banks with operations across Europe, including subsidiaries, branches, and investment firms.

No related lobbyists found.

The AFB’s lobbying activities cover categories including banking and financial services regulation, capital markets, anti-money laundering, compliance, financial stability, and market access.

The Association of Foreign Banks networks with multiple key organizations, including:

European Banking Federation (EBF)
European Central Bank (ECB)
National foreign bank associations across EU member states (e.g., Association of Foreign Banks in Germany)
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Other foreign banking associations such as the Italian and Swiss associations of foreign banks

Precise annual financial expenditure data on EU lobbying by the Association of Foreign Banks is not disclosed in the public data accessed. Generally, lobby budgets for such associations can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand euros annually, depending on the scale and intensity of lobbying campaigns.

The AFB interacts with various EU structures, mainly the European Commission’s departments responsible for financial services and banking regulation, the European Parliament committees involved in economic and financial affairs, and the European Central Bank where relevant.

The exact count and details of meetings held by the Association of Foreign Banks with EU institutions from registration until June 2025 are not available from the sources reviewed. It is common for associations of this nature to hold numerous meetings related to consultation on legislative proposals and regulatory oversight in banking and finance.