Michael Höllerer, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), stated on Monday, October 5, 2026, that operating in Russia is difficult long-term. RBI intends to exit the market, a process requiring numerous permits, including approval from the Kremlin.
RBI is prioritizing a legal dispute with Russian Strabag shareholder Rasperia. The Vienna Regional Court recently awarded RBI 3.15 billion euros in damages, allowing the bank to target Rasperia's frozen Austrian assets, including 28.5 million Strabag shares.
Höllerer rejected misconduct allegations from short seller Grizzly Research regarding liquidity ratios and is considering legal action. Despite Russia placing firms like Nestle under forced administration, he sees no such danger for RBI's local operations.