Raiffeisen Zentralbank
Good performance and successful acquisitions have secured Raiffeisen Zentralbank (RZB) this year’s award as best bank in Austria.In particular, the acquisition of Bank Aval increased the Austrian bank’s reach in the Ukraine market, and the takeover of Russian Impexbank added 500 new banking outlets to Raiffeisen’s strong presence in the region.
“RZB tells a successful growth story in its home markets and emerging Europe,” says Walter Rothensteiner, chairman of the board of managing directors. “Its market share as a percentage of aggregated total assets in the [overbanked] Austrian market increased in 2005 from 10.4% to 13%, and to 13.5% in June 2006. At the same time, RZB is on the fast lane in central and eastern Europe, where its unique banking network, bundled in its CEE arm, Raiffeisen International, is setting the pace.
“Success comes with customers serviced well. RZB – the central institution of the Raiffeisen Banking Group and a leading Austrian corporate and investment bank – is built around the customer,” says Mr Rothensteiner. “RZB is the Austrian bank. It is not just the only fully locally owned top bank in the country, the Raiffeisen Banking Group, centred by RZB, is also the biggest banking group in Austria asset-wise, has the most extensive branch network and serves most customers. Raiffeisen sets the pace when it comes to growth and is the profitability benchmark to beat at the same time.”
