Some major players have disappeared, while many U.S. midsize and smaller banks are still grappling with loans that soured in the economic downturn.

WSJ: Deal of the Week: Stepping Into the Yards

Though Draghi didn't spell out what policy changes could emerge, analysts say the bank could look at ways to encourage lending to midsize companies that could allow banks to bundle small business loans as securities and park them at the ECB as collateral for central bank loans.

NPR: Draghi: ECB Looking At New Tools For Growth