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Deutsche Bank Pledges Research Independence After Bessent Call

January 30, 20261 min readQuick Read

Fazen Markets Research

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Deutsche Bankresearch independenceChristian SewingScott Bessentbonds

Key Takeaways

1January 29, 2026 — Deutsche Bank AG has stated it will not curtail the independence of its research function after a controversial report prompted Chief Executive Officer Christian Sewing to call US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

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Deutsche Bank reaffirms research independence

January 29, 2026 — Deutsche Bank AG has stated it will not curtail the independence of its research function after a controversial report prompted Chief Executive Officer Christian Sewing to call US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The bank issued the statement following the release of its results presentation.

"It is quite normal for management to have a slightly different view of things than the researchers," Sewing said at the results presentation. "It's good for a bank and good for our clients."

Key points

Date and updates: January 29, 2026 at 7:52 AM UTC; updated January 29, 2026 at 12:39 PM UTC.
Core statement: Deutsche Bank AG will not curtail research independence after a controversial report and a subsequent call involving CEO Christian Sewing and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Direct quote: "It is quite normal for management to have a slightly different view of things than the researchers. It's good for a bank and good for our clients." — Christian Sewing.

Context for institutional investors and bond traders

Research independence: The bank emphasized that maintaining an independent research function supports analyst credibility and client trust, a priority for institutional counterparties focused on fixed-income and credit research.
Market reference: Tickers listed for trader reference include AM, PM, AG, US. Deutsche Bank AG (AG) remains explicit in its commitment to separate research views from management perspectives.

Implications and watch points

Client confidence: Preserving research independence is likely intended to reassure institutional clients who depend on unbiased fixed-income and macro analysis.
Research output: Traders and analysts should monitor forthcoming analyst notes and research reports for continuity in methodology and tone.
Management commentary: Future management presentations and earnings materials may reiterate the separation between strategic management views and independent research conclusions.

Maintaining a clear separation between management positions and analyst views is presented by Deutsche Bank AG as both a governance stance and a client-facing policy. The bank framed differences between management and researchers as normal and constructive for client outcomes.