From its base in Hanover in Germany, Norb/LB is one of those banks that politicians like to talk about. Majority owned by the state, it provides low-cost funds for small and medium sized companies in Germany – the so-called Mittelstand. It also advances capital to international companies to boost its presence and profitability. With 1,600 employees and assets of €160 billion, it is one of the largest commercial banks in Germany. It is not a household name outside of its home geography, but it neither was it meant to be. In recent months, the financial institution has been making waves…