Deutsche Bank's biggest shareholders, investment vehicles controlled by the Qatari royal family, have recently expressed concern about the threat of legal fines against the lender and whether it is adequately focused on its long-term strategy, according to people familiar with the matter.

The people briefed on communications involving Sheik Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani and his staff said he remains supportive of chief executive John Cryan and Deutsche Bank's chairman, Paul Achleitner. At the same time, the sheik lately has sought assurances that the bank is doing everything possible to resolve looming settlements with the US Justice Department while also managing the business, the people said.