International Business Talks: Expanding Into CEE

Strong network: RBI offers harmonized products, local presence, and a closely connected team as a crucial advantage for companies entering the market. 

Holistic approach: In addition to corporate clients, their employees also benefit from the integrated retail banking offering. 

Growth opportunities in future industries: Renewable energy, e-mobility, and digital infrastructure are developing particularly dynamically, often with greenfield investments. 

CEE as a bridge between east and west: With the CIB international network spread across the globe in 12 locations, RBI covers 33 countries and can assist companies and institutions enter the CEE markets. 

Reconstruction of Ukraine: The region presents enormous opportunities where RBI can actively participate thanks to its strong presence. 

Important factors: Market potential, closeness to supply chain partners and managing unpredictability should be considered when choosing a new market. 

Preparation is key: Experts recommend early involvement of a partner familiar with local conditions to help adjust to cultural differences. 

Sabine Zucker highlights the unique advantages of partnering with RBI for market entry: “RBI is present in 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, which brings advantages for corporates.” Clients benefit from a fully-fledged banking presence in the CEE region, enjoying not only unified and harmonized product offerings and a central head office in Vienna but also access to RBI’s network and outlets within the individual countries.  

She emphasizes the effective integration of retail and corporate banking, which is often overlooked: “When we work together with a company, all the employees are served and supported with retail banking. And this gives them an advantage on both sides. The bank knows the company. For employees, it's easier to get a loan, to open an account.”  

The expert highlights how Raiffeisen Bank International assists partner banks: “We are not only supporting our customers directly, but we are also working together with partner banks and support their customers in our CEE entities in case the bank itself is not present there.” 

Alexander Montanus outlines the role of the international network that acts as a bridge to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Austria. “It includes 12 locations of branches, rep offices and consultants spread across Western Europe, Asia, Northern Africa and the US and focuses on both corporate and institutional clients in multiple countries. With 12 locations, we are able to cover 33 countries across the globe.”  Additionally, two specialized Korea and China desks located in Europe support corporations investing in the region by offering services in their native languages and addressing intercultural differences.  

“CEE is still a very interesting region for companies,” says Sabine Zucker, highlighting its significant growth potential, particularly compared to Western Europe. She notes that Western European companies recognize business opportunities within the region, while international firms view CEE as a gateway to Western Europe. The sectors experiencing growth include renewable energy and new technologies, bolstered by government support through taxes and subsidies. Due to the scarcity of M&A targets in several industries, e.g. areas like battery storage and solar panels, investments in these technologies are primarily through greenfield operations.  

Alexander Montanus identifies key sectors that RBI has successfully supported, including electric vehicles (EV), new energy, and digital infrastructure.  “For me personally, the most rewarding story is when we are really able to support our customers on a regional journey across CEE, with products like cash management, the FX products, guarantees, but also factoring, considering how embedded we are in the CEE market,” he adds.   

He also highlights the rebuilding of Ukraine as a major opportunity in CEE: “Many parties, institutions, corporates and also sovereigns are preparing themselves for the future rebuild, which is close to all of our hearts. We, as RBI, with a very strong presence in the Ukraine are very much looking forward to play an important role.”  

The expert outlines three key elements to consider when selecting a specific market location. First is market potential, with the CEE region benefiting from its proximity to Western Europe. The second element is the closeness to supply chain partners. The third factor involves managing unpredictability, such as tariffs, tax subsidies, and labor market conditions. “It is important to team up with local partners that know the market very, very well. And that could be a bank, but it could also be tax advisors or lawyers, to make sure that you get more familiar with the local market,” he recommends.  

When discussing the local impact in the region, Sabine Zucker notes that Raiffeisen was one of the first banks to enter Central and Eastern Europe shortly after the fall of the Iron Curtain. “This region is very close to our heart,” she says. “It is important for us to support these countries and bring further wealth to the region.”  
To help avoid mistakes, she advises customers to engage with RBI experts early in the process: “We know the region, we know the habits, we know the rules and regulations and I think we can help customers in this early stage.”  

Alexander Montanus adds, “The CEE region is a very diverse region. It is very important to do your research.” He encourages corporates interested in the CEE region to subscribe to Raiffeisen Research and seek tailored advice.  
Find out how to leverage the business potential of the CEE region for your company or institution and contact our team – we are happy to help.