Frankfurt is famed for its skyline, dominated by skyscrapers topped with logos of well known banks. It is also the only city in the world home to two Central Banks – the ECB and German National Bank. But Frankfurt has also grown rapidly in the last 20 years and attracted many international companies but also a growing number of start-ups.
So what industries are prominent in the city?
- Financial services: Frankfurt is known as the financial centre of Germany, and is home to the headquarters of the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank, and many other financial institutions. Approximately 31% of Frankfurt’s economy is made up of financial services, including banking, insurance, and other financial activities.
- Technology: The city has a growing technology sector, with many startups and established companies working in areas such as software development, fintech, and biotechnology. The sector is responsible for about 6% of the economy but growing rapidly.
- Logistics and transportation: Frankfurt is an important transportation hub in Europe, with a large airport and a major train station. The city is also home to many logistics companies and warehouses in total accounting for around 16% of the city’s economy.
- Consulting and professional services: Many consulting and professional services firms have a presence in Frankfurt, including accounting, law, and management consulting firms and account for around 16% of the city’s economy.
- Education: Frankfurt is home to one of the countries largest and top ranked and best funded universities, Goethe Uni, with over 40,000 students. However the city also has a University of Applied Science with 25,000 students, as well as a number of smaller specialist universities for music, business, and creative arts. For a city of only 700,000, more than 10% being students makes for a lively nightlife!
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing, including automotive, machinery, and other industrial activities, accounts for around 5% of Frankfurt’s economy.
- Healthcare and life sciences: The healthcare and life sciences industry, including hospitals, clinics, and research institutions, makes up around 4% of Frankfurt’s economy.
- Tourism and hospitality: Frankfurt is a popular tourist destination, with many hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses located in the city and accounts for around 10% of the city’s economy.
So, next time you go out in Frankfurt and meet a group of bankers, now you know, there are lots of them, but still in a minority!