
Raiffeisen Zentralbank, also known as RZB, is a leading bank in Central and Eastern Europe. It was founded in 1927 in Vienna, Austria.
RZB is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and operates in 13 countries. The bank has a significant presence in the region, with a network of over 1,400 branches and offices.
RZB is a subsidiary of the Raiffeisen Banking Group, one of the largest banking groups in the world. The group has a history dating back to 1864, when it was founded by Franz Schmid in Austria.
The bank has a strong focus on retail banking, providing a wide range of financial services to individuals and small businesses.
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History and Structure
Raiffeisen Zentralbank, or RZB for short, has a rich history dating back to 1927 when it was founded in Vienna, Austria. It was established by the Austrian Farmers' Association, which aimed to provide financial services to rural communities.
RZB is a subsidiary of the Österreichische Volksbanken- und Raiffeisen-Zentralbanken AG, which is a holding company that oversees the operations of the Austrian Raiffeisen banks. This structure allows for a decentralized approach to banking, with local branches making decisions and providing services to their communities.
RZB is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and operates in over 50 countries worldwide, making it a truly global bank.
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Subsidiaries and Partnerships

Raiffeisen Zentralbank has a significant presence in the European banking sector through its subsidiaries and partnerships.
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is a key subsidiary of Raiffeisen Zentralbank, with a network of over 2,000 branches across 14 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
RBI offers a wide range of banking services to individuals, businesses, and institutions, making it a major player in the region's financial landscape.
Raiffeisen Zentralbank also has partnerships with various financial institutions, enabling it to expand its reach and offer more comprehensive services to its customers.
One notable example of this is its partnership with Banka Koper, a Slovenian bank, which allows Raiffeisen Zentralbank to offer its services to customers in Slovenia and beyond.
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Troika Laundromat
Raiffeisen Zentralbank has been involved in a significant money laundering scandal known as the Troika Laundromat. This scheme, also referred to as ŪkioLeaks, allowed the flow of around $4.8 billion of funds from Russian companies and figures into Europe and the US between 2003 and early 2013.
The bank, which is based in Vienna, had neglected its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) obligations while handling the Troika's money. This is a serious issue that highlights the importance of proper AML procedures.
Raiffeisen Zentralbank was established in 1927 and was under direct supervision of the European Central Bank.
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Company Overview

Raiffeisen Zentralbank has a rich history that dates back to the end of World War II. The bank was placed under public administration and renamed Genossenschaftliche Zentralbank Aktiengesellschaft.
Its original shareholders, the Raiffeisen regional banks, regained control in 1955, marking a significant milestone for the company. By the end of the decade, GZB employed nearly 200 people, a testament to the strong growth of the Austrian economy during the 1950s.
GZB entered a new phase of modernization in the 1960s, restructuring its branch offices and expanding its product range.
Österreich AG (RZB)
Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich AG (RZB) is a company based in Austria. It is a financial services company with its stock ticker symbol being RBI:AV.
RZB is a company that operates in the financial services sector. Its website is www.rzb.at.
In 2016, RZB was among the participants in a meeting between Austrian and Iranian bankers in Vienna to discuss the resumption of trade financing. This meeting was also attended by Austria's top three banks, including Erste Group Bank AG and UniCredit Bank Austria AG.
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RZB has been designated as "Under Review" by CalSTRS in 2016 due to potential ties to Iran. However, after conducting further review, CalSTRS removed RZB from its list in 2018.
Here are some key facts about RZB:
RZB is one of the few European banks that have agreed to work with Iran despite Western reluctance to engage in business with the Islamic republic.
Principal Competitors
The principal competitors of a company are those that operate in the same market space, offering similar products or services. HVB Group is one of the main competitors in this space, offering a range of banking services.
Commerzbank AG is another significant competitor, with a strong presence in the industry. WestLB AG is also a notable player, known for its expertise in various financial services. Erste Bank der Österreichischen Sparkassen AG is a key competitor, with a strong focus on retail banking.
International Presence
Raiffeisen International, a subsidiary of RZB, operates banking subsidiaries in 15 countries of central and eastern Europe.
Raiffeisen International is mostly owned by RZB, with a 70% share. This subsidiary has a significant presence in the region, with operations in countries such as Albania, Belarus, and Bulgaria.
RZB has a network of subsidiaries in many Central and Eastern European countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, and Kosovo. These subsidiaries are held by Raiffeisen International Bank-Holding AG, which is listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange.
One of the most successful Raiffeisen banks is in the Balkan region, particularly in countries such as Kosovo and Albania. In Kosovo, Raiffeisen bank is one of the biggest banks operating.
Here are some of the countries where Raiffeisen has a significant presence:
- Albania
- Bulgaria
- Kosovo
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
RZB's subsidiary Raiffeisen International Bank-Holding AG is responsible for holding the shares of these network banks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raiffeisen Bank leaving Russia?
Yes, Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is leaving Russia, with plans to exit the country by summer 2024. This decision comes after the US threatened to impose sanctions on RBI for doing business in Russia.
Has Raiffeisen Bank been sanctioned?
Yes, Raiffeisen Bank International AG has been sanctioned by FMA for a breach of due diligence obligations related to money laundering and terrorist financing. The sanction was imposed due to inadequate measures in correspondent banking relationships.
What country is Raiffeisen Bank from?
Raiffeisen Bank originated in Austria, specifically founded in 1886 in the village of Mühldorf near Spitz an der Donau.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raiffeisen_Zentralbank
- https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/ir-br-co-c75af01b186885bf1ad587a91aa145dc58a61a81/
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/reference/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/raiffeisen-zentralbank-osterreich-ag
- https://www.wienerborse.at/en/listing/debt-securities/listed/prospectus/raiffeisen-zentralbank-oesterreich-aktiengesellschaft/
- https://gfmag.com/news/features-regional-winner-raiffeisen-zentralbank/
- https://coop.fandom.com/wiki/Raiffeisen_Zentralbank
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