CEO of Raiffeisen: Withdrawing from Russia Depends on External Factors and Complex International Processes
Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) officially confirms its intention to exit the Russian market, but also acknowledges that the final decision is not solely in the hands of the company.
This statement was made by CEO Johann Strobl during a speech in Vienna, highlighting the numerous external factors complicating the process.
According to him, the decision to divest from Russia is intricate, involving multiple regulators and international stakeholders, which means that the ultimate choice depends on external conditions beyond the company’s control.
Strobl emphasized that Raiffeisen has already significantly reduced its operations in Russia — more than what is required by the European Central Bank — but finding a buyer willing to satisfy both Moscow and Western regulators remains an unresolved challenge.
The process is further hindered by political and legal restrictions.
Despite these obstacles, Raiffeisen continues to operate in Ukraine, where it is among the largest foreign banks and plays a key role in financing the agricultural sector.
The CEO stated that the bank plans to focus on consolidating its presence and increasing profitability mainly within markets of Eastern Europe.
Notably, in September 2024, a Russian court froze the shares of RBI’s Russian subsidiary, complicating the sale of the asset.
However, Reuters reports that in August 2025, a court decision was made that permits the sale, although legal uncertainties persist.