Goldman Sachs is advising on what is set to become the largest cross-border banking merger in European history, valued at $18 billion. The deal involves the combination of two major European banking groups seeking to create a pan-European banking champion.The merger, which is expected to close by the end of 2026, would create a financial institution with combined assets exceeding $1.2 trillion. Regulatory approvals are being sought from the European Central Bank and multiple national regulators.Industry analysts view the deal as a potential catalyst for further consolidation in the fragmented European banking sector.