Trillions sitting idle

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-15T05:56:09.080Z • Permanent link

Revolut, a leading fintech company, has released a study that sheds light on the substantial amount of money sitting idle in European bank deposits. The findings, which cover 20 EU countries, reveal that individuals are losing an average of €294 in purchasing power for every €10,000 they keep in the bank. This staggering figure translates to €6.3 trillion in low-yield deposits across the continent. The study's lead author, Luke Millington, a renowned economist, emphasizes the significance of these numbers, stating that they highlight the need for policymakers to reassess the current banking landscape.

The study's data is based on Revolut's analysis of over 1,000 bank accounts across Europe, covering a wide range of deposit types and institutions. The results show that individuals are often stuck in low-yield deposits, missing out on higher returns that could be generated through more diversified investments. For instance, a €10,000 deposit in a traditional savings account might earn around 0.5% interest, while a similar investment in a high-yield bond fund could yield 3%. Such discrepancies underscore the importance of financial literacy and the need for individuals to make informed decisions about their savings.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has been under pressure to address the issue of low interest rates, which have been in place since the financial crisis. ECB President Christine Lagarde has acknowledged the problem, stating that the bank is exploring ways to stimulate economic growth through monetary policy. However, some critics argue that the ECB's actions have been too slow, and that more needs to be done to address the issue of low-yield deposits.

The Revolut study's findings have significant implications for the financial sector, research communities, and policymakers. For companies like Revolut, the study's results underscore the importance of providing consumers with more accessible and affordable financial products. By offering high-yield deposit accounts and investment products, Revolut can help individuals make the most of their savings and achieve their financial goals. Research communities, on the other hand, will be eager to study the study's methodology and results in greater detail, as they seek to better understand the underlying drivers of low-yield deposits.

The study's findings also have broader implications for the global economy. As individuals and households continue to accumulate wealth, the need for more efficient and effective financial systems becomes increasingly pressing. Policymakers will need to take a closer look at the current banking landscape and consider ways to promote greater financial inclusion and accessibility. For instance, some experts argue that the ECB could explore the use of negative interest rates to stimulate economic growth, while others suggest that governments could implement policies to encourage more people to save and invest.

The Revolut study's findings are part of a larger pattern of concerns about the stability and resilience of the global financial system. In recent years, there have been several high-profile banking crises, including the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. These events have highlighted the need for policymakers and financial institutions to be better equipped to handle unexpected shocks and ensure the stability of the financial system. In response, governments and regulators have implemented a range of reforms aimed at promoting greater financial stability and resilience.