Qatar to Seek Approval to Lift Deutsche Bank Stake Over 10%

Qatar’s royal family asked Germany’s financial regulator for approval to boost its stake in Deutsche Bank AG to more than 10 percent, a signal it may be seeking greater control of Europe’s largest investment bank, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The request was made several months ago with Bafin, as the regulator is known, and before Deutsche Bank’s announcement in March that it would raise 8 billion euros ($8.7 billion) in fresh capital, the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private. Approval for the request is still pending, the people said, adding the Qataris have made no final decision on whether they will increase their stake and by how much.