OREANDA-NEWS. Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) has been awarded the title “Best Bank in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)” for the seventh time in a row in the competition “World’s Best Banks in Developed and Emerging Markets” organised by the renowned financial magazine “Global Finance”. In total, RBI has won this prestigious distinction nine times in ten years.

At the same time, RBI subsidiaries in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Romania and Serbia were awarded the title of “Best Bank” in their respective markets.

"The seventh title in a row attests to our outstanding performance, especially since the crisis. Since 20081) we generated in average profits significantly more than Ђ 800 million per year," said Herbert Stepic, CEO of RBI.

By winning the “Global Finance” award, 2013 RBI continues its remarkable run. In 2012 the bank received for its strategic positioning, its performance and its excellent service for private and corporate customers in CEE four regional “Best Bank” awards from the leading financial magazines “Global Finance”, “EMEA Finance”, “Euromoney” and “The Banker”.

1) 2008 as Raiffeisen International Bank-Holding AG, since 2010 as Raiffeisen Bank International AG (2009 on pro-forma-basis).

Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) regards both Austria, where it is a leading commercial and investment bank, as well as Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) as its home market. In CEE, RBI operates an extensive network of subsidiary banks, leasing companies and a range of other specialised financial service providers in 17 markets. RBI is the only Austrian bank with a presence in both the world’s financial centres and in Asia, the group's additional geographical area of focus.

In total, around 61,000 employees service about 14.1 million customers through around 3,100 business outlets, the great majority of which are located in CEE. RBI is a fully-consolidated subsidiary of Raiffeisen Zentralbank Цsterreich AG (RZB). RZB indirectly owns around 78.5 per cent of the common stock; the remainder is in free float. RBI’s shares are listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. RZB is the central institution of the Austrian Raiffeisen Banking Group, the country’s largest banking group, and serves as the head office of the entire RZB Group, including RBI.