Making a Difference: Why Sustainable Finance Is Here to Stay

By Markus Ecker, Head of Sustainable Finance, Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI)
Published: October 31, 2025

What is Sustainable Finance at RBI?

Sustainable finance matters. RBI makes it a top goal. It links bank work with clear social and environmental aims. The bank helps clients start sustainable practices. RBI runs many ESG deals. It issues green bonds. It checks customers’ carbon footprints. It builds ESG policies and scoring models. It also sets a plan to cut financed emissions by 2030. ---

RBI's Sustainable Finance Products and Solutions

RBI gives expert advice and simple finance choices. Its products include green, social, and ESG KPI-linked bonds, loans, and guarantees. These tools help companies boost ESG performance and ratings.

For retail customers, RBI puts sustainability into everyday banking. The bank created RaiCare to help manage money smartly. It also built a carbon footprint calculator for daily use. Both tools mix financial care with climate action.

The Role of Green and Social Bonds

RBI uses green and social bonds to link good business and sustainability. The bank began its green bond programme in 2018. Soon, it led in Austria and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). In 2024, RBI became the largest green bond issuer in the region. In 2023, its bond programme grew to cover green, social, or sustainability bonds.

RBI also guides clients in issuing sustainable bonds. The bank acted as ESG coordinator and bookrunner for Lower Austria’s first sustainability bond in 2024. ---

RBI’s Strengths in Sustainable Finance

RBI shows strength through its diverse sustainable finance team. Staff come from 14 cultural backgrounds and speak 17 languages. This mix brings deep, broad expertise. The ESG Ambassador Network was launched in 2019. It connects sustainability teams across CEE banks. The network shares knowledge and keeps ESG work in focus. This strong team approach makes RBI a reliable leader.

Future Outlook for Sustainable Finance

Markus Ecker says sustainable finance will always matter. This trend is key for long-term growth at RBI and for clients. There are challenges, such as heavy transition investments that do not pay off immediately. Still, measuring ESG risks and performance is vital. Transition finance helps high-emission sectors cut down emissions. Projects like Europe’s Clean Industrial Deal will boost funds for climate and social projects.

Additional Resources

RBI offers extra tools like the Raiffeisen Research ESG scorecard. This tool helps companies meet their sustainable goals.

Conclusion:
Sustainable finance at RBI is a client-centered method. It mixes clear financial products with strong ESG know-how. RBI leads in green bonds and transition finance. This role makes sustainable finance a firm, evolving part of the bank.

For more insights on sustainable finance and ESG, visit Raiffeisen Bank International and Sustainability Magazine.

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