**Regulatory Changes Top Concerns for CEOs and CFOs, Says Deutsche Bank’s Ole Matthiessen**
Executives worldwide are increasingly cautious about regulatory changes driven by new tariff barriers, which complicate investment decisions and heighten business uncertainties, according to Ole Matthiessen, the global head of cash management and corporate banking for the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa regions at Deutsche Bank.
“Tariffs introduce uncertainty, compelling clients to reevaluate their supply chains and investment strategies. Regulatory changes rank among the primary concerns for CEOs and CFOs, and we assist clients in navigating these challenges to sustain resilience and profitability,” Matthiessen stated in a recent interview.
Having joined Deutsche Bank in 2008, Matthiessen became the global head of cash management in 2019 and expanded his role to include leadership of the corporate bank for the Asia-Pacific region in 2022. As of January 2024, he also oversees the corporate bank operations in the Middle East and Africa.
“I manage Deutsche Bank’s global cash management business and frequently travel to Europe, Asia, and the US. In my role overseeing corporate banking activities across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, I visit India and China up to four times a year,” Matthiessen explained.
Deutsche Bank operates through four primary business divisions: corporate bank, investment bank, private bank, and asset management. In 2023, the corporate bank division reported a pre-tax profit of €2.9 billion (approximately $3.1 billion), contributing to over half of the bank’s total pre-tax profit.
The imposition of higher tariffs by the US government under President Donald Trump has been a significant factor in altering trade dynamics. Since taking office, Trump has enacted tariffs on Chinese imports and temporarily paused a 25% duty on goods from Mexico and Canada, while planning to implement reciprocal tariffs on other nations.
When asked whether the disruptions caused by COVID-19 or Trump’s tariffs were more significant, Matthiessen noted that both factors contribute to uncertainty, which can hinder long-term investments. “Initially, COVID-19 caused considerable disruption, but businesses adapted over time. Similarly, once the regulatory environment stabilizes regarding tariffs, businesses will adjust accordingly,” he remarked.
Matthiessen also highlighted that Europe could experience adverse effects from tariffs, particularly in sectors reliant on export activities.
