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     // . //  Insights //  Navigating The New Monetary Order In Europe

    The global financial crisis of 2008 marked the beginning of almost 15 years of expansionary monetary policy in Europe, the United States, and other developed countries, commonly referred to as the Low for Long era.

    The period was marked by a significant transformation of Europe’s financial system, particularly in leverage and risk-taking dynamics. The role of European banks in funding the real economy diminished as they deleveraged and simplified their balance-sheet structure under more stringent regulations. Concurrently, non-bank financial institutions (NBFI) and their investors in search for yield assumed a more important role as financers, gaining market share in lending from banks. Governments also took advantage of low rates to fund reforms, social expenditure, and economic stimulus.

    Exhibit 1: European banks deleveraged and simplified their balance-sheet structure under more stringent regulations
    Source: SNL and Oliver Wyman analysis
    Exhibit 2: Non-bank financial institutions gained market share in lending from banks
    Source: BIS and Oliver Wyman analysis
    Exhibit 3: NBFIs in search of yield shifted to riskier and less liquid investments
    Source: IMF, S&P Capital IQ and Oliver Wyman analysis

    Exploring the New Monetary Order and Low for Long implications 

    The Low for Long era came to an abrupt end in 2022 as central banks swiftly raised interest rates and started to unwind balance sheets in response to rampant inflation. We have labeled the resulting environment, characterized by high inflation, substantially enlarged balance sheets, and high public debt as the New Monetary Order (NMO). The New Monetary Order is reversing more than a decade of developments, causing short-term blowouts and raising questions about long-term sustainability of business models for financial institutions, non-financial corporations, and sovereigns.

    Exhibit 4: Banks for now enjoy the benefits of temporary higher net interest margins
    Source: ECB and Oliver Wyman analysis
    Exhibit 5: Decreasing net inflows pose liquidity risk for life insurers
    Source: EIOPA and Oliver Wyman analysis
    Exhibit 6: The private equity industry turned bearish in 2022
    Source: Prequin and Oliver Wyman analysis
    Exhibit 7: Non-financial corporations have been hit by inflation, notably higher energy costs
    Source: EIA and Oliver Wyman analysis
    Exhibit 8: Non-financial corporations have been affected by inflation, particularly supply chain challenges
    Source: Drewry and Oliver Wyman analysis
    Exhibit 9: Cost-of-debt has re-emerged as an important constraint for governments
    Source: Bloomberg and Oliver Wyman analysis

    Navigating economic realities in the New Monetary Order 

    The nature and extent of vulnerabilities may still not be fully known and understood. Moreover, geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions, climate change, and aging populations add to substantial funding pressures for already indebted European economies, with recent rate hikes having reignited concerns about debt sustainability for both corporates and governments. Financial institutions and non-financial corporates will need to clarify impacts and revamp business models, with support from the public sector, to successfully navigate the new monetary and economic realities.

    Exhibit 10: Industry-specific issues and calls for action (summary)
    Source: Oliver Wyman analysis

    This paper focuses on the European experience. While many of these themes were present globally, experiences varied by country and region. As a result, we are releasing separate reports providing perspectives on the New Monetary Order for the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

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