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 2025 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.

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.

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.

Key Areas of Action

Responsible Banker

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

Explore our initiatives
Fair Partner

We value fair, transparent, and sustainable interactions with stakeholders including employees diversity & inclusion initiative. We follow a responsible approach to resources by reducing RBI’s environmental impact.

Explore our in-house ecology
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.

See community impact

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

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.

CDP Rating

CDP surveys global environmental data from companies. In February 2025, 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.

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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 May 2025.

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Sustainalytics

As of September 2025, Sustainalytics assessed RBI as being at low risk of experiencing material financial impacts from ESG factors. In ranking we were in 47 out of 217 companies in the diversified banks subindustry.

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S&P ESG Score

RBI has an ESG Score of 51/100 (updated per July 2025), weighted by Governance & Economic, Social, and Environmental dimensions. S&P Global selects criteria based on relevance and significance for the industry.

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MSCI ESG Rating

In October 2024, RBI received an A rating (AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment.

The use by RBI of any MSCI ESG Research LLC or its affiliates (“MSCI”) data, and the use of MSCI logos, trademarks, service marks or index names herein, do not constitute a sponsorship, endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of RBI by MSCI. MSCI services and data are the property of MSCI or its information providers and are provided ‘as-is’ and without warranty. MSCI names and logos are trademarks or service marks of MSCI.

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VÖNIX

RBI is included in the VÖNIX (VBV Austrian Sustainability Index) for 2025/2026. VÖNIX is the sustainability benchmark of the Vienna Stock Exchange, comprising companies recognized as leaders in ecological and social responsibility.

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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: July 2025.

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