In 2003, Hamburg Commercial Bank began operating when two banks merged into a bigger financial institution. Since then, the bank operates with a workforce of nearly 5,000 workers. As a result of the merger, Hamburg Commercial Bank became a private company, which removed it from the list of the banks controlled by the German Government. Headquartered in Hamburg, Hamburg Commercial Bank operates as a profit-making bank. In particular, it provides maritime financing to institutions, which makes it the leading financier in that sector.