Debrecen4U June 11, 2026

More Investment Needed for Stronger Economic Performance According to National Bank Executive Director

Domestic consumption is growing dynamically, but the greatest challenge facing the Hungarian economy is the lack of investment, emphasised Ádám Banai, Executive Director of the Hungarian National Bank (MNB), in an interview with Médiacentrum Debrecen.

Participants at Portfolio’s Debrecen Economic Forum discussed the next phase of economic growth, the impact of investments, and opportunities for businesses. In addition to the property and energy sectors, topics such as the automotive industry, European Union funding and financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were also high on the agenda.

Speaking at the event, Ádám Banai, Executive Director responsible for monetary policy, financial stability and central bank instruments at MNB, emphasised that Hungary’s banking sector is well-capitalised, resilient and possesses adequate lending capacity.

In his interview with Médiacentrum Debrecen, he stated that the domestic banking system has substantial capital reserves, liquidity and available financial resources to support economic actors. According to Banai, banks have the capacity to provide the loans and financing necessary for businesses to realise virtually any viable investment plan, making credit availability a key driver of economic growth.

He argued that Hungary still lags behind in this area, as the level of outstanding credit remains relatively low compared with the size of the economy. This is true not only in comparison with the European Union as a whole but also within the Central European region. He noted that if these credit resources are used effectively for productive economic purposes, they can significantly contribute to economic growth.

Editor-in-Chief Zsuzsa Keserű also asked about the volume of investment, noting that more than EUR 12.5 billion in foreign direct investment has arrived in Debrecen in recent years. Speaking of Hungary as a whole, Banai highlighted that investment volumes have fallen noticeably nationwide over the past few years, which he believes is largely due to an uncertain economic environment.

Discussing the SME sector, Banai stressed that businesses can achieve rapid growth, particularly during certain stages of development, only if they are able to access external financing. Funding major investments solely from retained earnings often requires companies to save profits over many years, which is frequently impractical. He pointed out that businesses often need to act immediately when market opportunities arise, and in such situations access to credit becomes essential. For companies seeking meaningful expansion, borrowing is often indispensable.

During the programme, Zsuzsa Keserű also asked about the MNB’s Savings Report published at the end of April. According to the report, Hungarian households’ net financial savings amounted to 4.6 per cent of GDP in 2025. Banai noted that household savings in Hungary remain relatively high compared with the size of the economy. Although the figure has declined from around 6 per cent in previous years to approximately 5 per cent and then 4.6 per cent, he emphasised that it still represents a strong level by regional standards.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu