Metzler is Germany’s oldest bank with an unbroken tradition of family ownership.
Our history proves that consistency doesn’t mean standing still. It shows our ability to change—independent in ownership, autonomous in judgment, and flexible in form.
In 1674, Benjamin Metzler established a cloth trading house in Frankfurt. At the time, Frankfurt was a hub for European trade; trade fairs, flow of goods, and a variety of currencies shaped the trading business. Anyone active in long-distance trading had to process payments, organize bill-of-exchange transactions, and exchange money.
Banking business became increasingly important.
In 1986, Friedrich von Metzler and Christoph von Metzler strengthened the bank’s capital base. They converted Metzler into a private stock company and established a holding company structure. In 2021, Metzler became a stock corporation. The goal was to adopt a simpler structure and create a modern governance framework.
Metzler changed its form without sacrificing its core principles.
In connection with its 350-year anniversary, Metzler Bank has delved into its own history to reappraise its role in the events under national socialism of the Nazi era in Germany. For years, the bank’s management assumed that own resources would not suffice for a comprehensive reappraisal. However, when the bank moved to its Untermainanlage location in Frankfurt in 2014, previously unknown documents from the Nazi era were found. With them, independent historical research became possible in order to explore the bank's role under national socialism, assess the bank’s behavior toward Jewish clients, and place the facts in historical context. Historian Dr. Andrea Schneider-Braunberger was subsequently granted unrestricted access to the bank’s archives and has now published her research findings in a book. The book was published by Carl Hanser Verlag in Munich (ISBN 978-3-446-27498-3) and is available only in German.
Christina Barbara Metzler is an early example of our capacity for change. She became head of the company in 1757 after the deaths of both managing directors in quick succession. A few years later, the term “bankers” appeared for the first time in historical documents. Beginning in 1760, Metzler engaged in lending and securities trading. Christina Barbara appointed her nephew Friedrich Metzler to the management team, thereby setting the course for the company’s future development.
Metzler became a bank.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, banks underwent a fundamental transformation. Monarchies were financed via bonds, and later, industrialization required capital for businesses, infrastructure, and growth.
Metzler grew alongside these markets but remained selective and independent. Metzler concentrated on customized financial services and securities trading instead of savings deposits and lending.
In the 20th century, the world wars, the Great Depression, and German National Socialism all dealt Metzler a severe blow. Fortunes were lost, business was scaled back, and financial center Frankfurt was temporarily cut off from the rest of the world.
After German reconstruction, Metzler adapted its strategic approach and focused on business areas where success depended not on size but on capital market expertise and sound judgment.
In 2024, Metzler Bank celebrated its 350th anniversary. Metzler's commitment to independence and courage to embrace change have been constants throughout the company’s long history. Join us on a journey through the centuries:
Metzler Bank turns 350.
With Franz von Metzler, a family member joins the Executive Board again.
Metzler establishes a Digital Assets Office as a competence center for all topics related to the digital world.
Metzler’s legal status is altered from a private stock company (KGaA = Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien) to a stock corporation. All shares remain in family ownership. Metzler acquires its first crypto bond.
Friedrich von Metzler receives the German Founders’ Award for his life’s work.
Metzler strengthens its presence in Asia by opening an office in Beijing, China.
Sylvia von Metzler becomes Chair of the Städelscher Museums-Verein.
Friedrich von Metzler establishes the Albert and Barbara von Metzler Foundation to bundle the social commitments of the Metzler family and the bank.
Friedrich von Metzler becomes an honorary citizen of the city of Frankfurt/Main.
Metzler expands its asset management business to Japan by opening an office in Tokyo.
In the podcast series "Finance & History" published by the European Association for Banking and History e. V. (eabh), Carmen Hofmann spoke with Dr. Schneider Braunberger about the challenges and opportunities for companies striving to come to terms with their own corporate history and about her book.
In the podcast series "Finance & History" published by the European Association for Banking and History e. V. (eabh), Carmen Hofmann spoke with Dr. Schneider Braunberger about the challenges and opportunities for companies striving to come to terms with their own corporate history and about her book.
Berenike Seib takes you through 350 years of Metzler history. Who was Benjamin Metzler, the man that founded the company in 1674? What can be found in the Metzler archives? Why is the company name, B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co., so long? Find out in our short videos and look forward to more to come (videos in German).
Beliebte Gastgeberin und erfolgreiche Briefschreiberin – das war Emma Metzler. Erfahren Sie im Video mit unserer Historikerin Berenike Seib mehr über Emmas Leben und was sie für ihre Heimatstadt Frankfurt Gutes tat.
We look forward to hearing from you!
