The core of the Danish banking system is the Danish National Bank, an autonomous central bank. It establishes monetary policy including the interest rate structure and monitors money supply. The two largest, Den Danske Bank and Unibank have nationwide networks of branch banks and, in addition to their commercial banking activities have subsidiaries engaged in mortgage financing, stockbroking, leasing, factoring, investment, property and insurance. Together, they account for close to two-thirds of total banking sector assets.
Several banks operate branches abroad, including in the United States.
There are 19 foreign banks, mostly European, with branches or offices in Denmark, including two American banks. In addition to the commercial banking system, other major credit institutions include mortgage credit companies, leasing and factoring companies, government and private venture capital organizations and pension funds. The credit line is typically extended on a continuous, revolving basis and is not subject to an annual settlement. Frequently, such companies chose or are forced to solve their financing problems by selling out to foreign, including U.S., corporations. Eximbank financing is available but rarely used.