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Sustainability & ESG

At Raiffeisen Bank International, we aim to prioritize sustainability and ESG in our operations. Our strategy helps us set new sustainability standards in banking, encouraging responsible growth and long-term value.

Our Mission Statement for Sustainability in Banking

Our Vision emphasizes our commitment to being more than a bank by fostering superior customer experiences through continuous innovation. Rooted in our core values, the corporate sustainability strategy focuses on value creation, trust, and transformation. This is supported by our aim to conduct business in a socially responsible manner to enhance the welfare of people and organizations.

Value Creation

Value creation involves the transformation of existing resources through sustainable business practices, ESG integration, and a well-defined corporate responsibility strategy that aligns with our long-term goals.

Trust

Trust is crucial for successful banking. Through sustainable management, fair practices, and transparent reporting within our ESG reporting framework, we have earned the trust of existing customers and stakeholders.

Transformation

Transformation means tackling societal challenges and promoting the welfare of current as well as future generations. 

A young child places an item into a green recycling bin while accompanied by an adult holding a carton. The scene takes place on a sunny day in an urban environment with a bus and vehicles visible in the background. The activity emphasizes environmental awareness and sustainability.

What Does ESG Stand For?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. As the name suggests, this framework covers not just environmental issues but also social responsibility and transparent governance. 

These three pillars encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices and drive positive change.

A group of people wearing high-visibility vests participates in a lake cleanup activity. They are collecting trash using tools and bags along the grassy shoreline under clear skies. The scene highlights environmental conservation efforts in a natural outdoor setting.

What Is the Difference Between ESG and Sustainability?

While sustainability focuses primarily on environmental efforts, ESG takes a broader approach by incorporating environmental, social, and governance principles. 


Understanding the difference between ESG and sustainability helps companies align their strategies with both sustainable practices and robust corporate governance frameworks.

Our Sustainability Strategy

Aligning Environmental, Social, and Governance Standards

Our sustainability strategy is visually represented by a circular model, structured around three core dimensions: environment, society, and economy. These areas reflect our approach to ecological product responsibility, social impact, and the cultivation of lasting economic growth.

At the center lies our commitment to creating sustainable value through three action roles:

  • Responsible Banker
  • Fair Partner
  • Engaged Citizen

Each of these roles aligns with ESG principles and is supported by measurable targets that promote transparency, resilience, and long-term corporate success. 

Circular infographic highlighting RBI's sustainable value creation. The diagram is divided into three main sections: Environment, Society, and Economy, with subcategories such as ecological product responsibility and social product responsibility. The central focus is on RBI's role as a responsible banker. Yellow and white palette dominates the design, with visible text emphasizing sustainability concepts.

SDGs and RBI

The SDGs (UN Sustainable Development Goals) serve as an important framework for RBI's sustainability strategy.

Key Areas of Action

  • An illustration of a hand interacting with a control panel featuring square buttons. The panel includes green and gray buttons arranged in a grid format. The setting appears minimalistic with a light-colored background. The image emphasizes simplicity and functionality.

    Responsible Banker

    We focus on sustainable finance, using loans and investments to drive social and environmental progress.

  • A stylized illustration featuring a hand wearing a yellow bracelet holding a bouquet of pastel-colored flowers. The flowers include shades of green, pink, and yellow, set against a minimalistic white and beige background. The image conveys a cheerful and lighthearted mood.

    Engaged Citizen

    We consider ourself to be an engaged corporate citizen that actively champions sustainable development in society via initiatives for financial health and inclusion, donation projects and voluntary work by employees.
An illustration of two individuals shaking hands, symbolizing a professional agreement or partnership. The setting is minimalistic with clean visuals and a focus on the interaction. One person is older with gray hair, while the other appears younger, both dressed in formal attire. Bright colors like blue and yellow add vibrancy to the scene.

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholders are individuals or groups with a legitimate interest in the company — such as employees, customers, owners, suppliers, and business partners. We engage in continuous dialogue with all key stakeholder groups to strengthen responsible business practices.

Discover our strategy

Sustainability Reports & Policies

A person reviews printed charts and graphs while working on a laptop displaying bar graphs. The setting is a modern office environment with natural light and greenery in the background. The focus is on data analysis and professional productivity.

Sustainability Disclosure

The publication of our sustainability reports are an important transparency and information tool in the dialogue with our stakeholders. Furthermore, we have various policies in place covering topics such as Gambling, Nuclear Power, Defense and Thermal Coals. 

View our reports

Ratings of Our ESG Performance

Our ratings and indices reflect our standing in key ESG benchmarks, emphasizing our commitment to environmental corporate governance and responsible investing.

  • A square badge featuring the CDP logo and the text 'Discloser 2024' prominently displayed. The design includes a diagonal red accent in the top-right corner, contrasting with the dark background. The logo and text are clean and modern, emphasizing corporate sustainability reporting.

    CDP Rating

    CDP surveys global environmental data from companies. In March 2026, RBI received a B rating, matching Europe’s and the financial services sector’s averages. RBI's environmental ambition, ESG governance, and risk management show commitment to climate protection.

  • Graphic badge highlighting Corporate ESG Performance with a Prime designation. The design features a large dark blue rectangle containing the main text and a smaller green square with the word Prime. Below, the phrase Rated by ISS STOXX appears with a triangular icon. The overall layout is clean and minimal, using blue, green, gray, and white for a professional corporate look.

    ISS ESG Score

    ISS ESG assesses social and ecological performance using over 100 sector-specific criteria, ensuring accurate ratings through regular updates. They publish criteria, processes, and key results. RBI's sustainability rating was confirmed at C+ (Prime Status) in June 2026.

  • The image features the Sustainalytics logo, consisting of a bold yellow circular icon paired with gray text. The design is minimalistic and professional, emphasizing clarity and brand identity. The yellow icon includes geometric patterns, adding a modern touch.

    Sustainalytics

    As of June 2026, Sustainalytics assessed RBI as being at low risk of experiencing material financial impacts from ESG factors. In ranking we were in 35 out of 214 companies in the diversified banks subindustry.

  • The image features the S&P Global logo, prominently displayed in bold red and black typography. A horizontal black line separates the 'S&P' and 'Global' text, creating a clean and professional design. The white background enhances the clarity and focus on the logo elements.

    S&P ESG Score

    RBI has an ESG Score of 53/100 (updated per December 2025), weighted by Governance & Economic, Social, and Environmental dimensions. S&P Global selects criteria based on relevance and significance for the industry.

  • VÖNIX

    RBI is included in the VÖNIX (VBV Austrian Sustainability Index) for 2026/2027. VÖNIX is the sustainability benchmark of the Vienna Stock Exchange, comprising companies recognized as leaders in ecological and social responsibility.

  • The image features the FTSE4Good logo, prominently displaying a globe with green and purple visuals. The globe includes icons of hands, trees, and people, symbolizing sustainability and social responsibility. Below the globe, the text 'FTSE4Good' is clearly visible in blue font.

    FTSE4Good

    Since 2015, RBI has been part of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which measures companies with strong ESG practices. These indices aid market participants in creating and assessing responsible investment funds. Last review: June 2026.

Financial Times Climate Leaders List

RBI included as only Austrian Bank ​in the Financial Times ​Climate Leaders list (May 2026).

Go to Financial Times

Contact Us About Sustainability & ESG

Send us your questions and suggestions to sustainabilitymanagement@rbinternational.com.