Doha – Mubasher: The European Central Bank (ECB) is considering launching a review of ownership control procedures “to scrutinise” Deutsche Bank’s two largest shareholders, namely Qatar’s royal family and the Chinese HNA group, according to Reuters news agency.

Qatar’s royal family and the Chinese company each own just under 10% of Germany's flagship lender, Reuters said, citing a source at the ECB.

The assessment will be carried out once a holding reaches 10% of shares or voting rights or if there is a "significant influence over the management of the bank", the ECB said on its website.

"The approval process aims to ensure that only suitable shareholders enter the banking system in order to prevent any disruptions to the smooth functioning of the banking system," the ECB's website added.

Funds dominated by Qatar’s former prime minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani had bought 6.1% of Deutsche Bank in mid-2014, and have raised their stake to just under 10% at a later time.