Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) announced that it does not plan to divest its Russian operations in the first quarter of 2024, according to its press service reported by TASS. The statement arrives after rumors circulating on social channels suggested that RBI’s parent group might soon secure regulatory clearance in Europe for a sale of assets tied to the Russian Federation. RBI’s press office has called those claims unreliable and clarified the bank’s current stance.
The RBI press service emphasized that discussions are focused on a specific transaction involving shares in Strabag, the Austrian construction group. It noted that RBI will continue to provide a broad array of services and uphold all obligations to its customers while awaiting regulatory processes. This clarification follows public disclosures last December about RBI’s acquisition of a stake in Strabag from oligarch Oleg Deripaska for €1.51 billion, a deal that RBI anticipated completing within the first three months of 2024.
In the same period, RBI had repeatedly stated its position regarding potential dispositions or restructurings within the group, subject to applicable local and international laws. Analysts and market observers noted that such moves would depend on a complex mix of regulatory approvals, corporate governance considerations, and strategic fit within RBI’s broader balance sheet and risk framework.
Earlier developments included Berlin and Vienna-based discussions around sanctions and regulatory compliance linked to offshore holdings and cross-border transactions. While RBI has faced scrutiny in various jurisdictions over its Russia-related business, the bank has underscored its commitment to compliance and to continuing service provision for its customers across its network. The evolving regulatory landscape remains a key factor influencing strategic choices and timing of potential asset sales or restructurings, with authorities in the European Union and member states closely monitoring compliance and financial stability implications.
Observers highlight that any potential sale or separation from specific assets would be evaluated against policy objectives, shareholder interests, and the long-term health of RBI’s international operations. The bank’s communications stress the importance of transparency and adherence to both local laws and international sanctions regimes, aiming to balance statutory requirements with the needs of clients and counterparties across multiple markets. In light of recent market dynamics, RBI continues to engage with regulators, stakeholders, and market participants to clarify its strategic path and to manage expectations about timelines for any major corporate actions.