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The Raiffeisen principle
Even in economically difficult times, a business model which has
never changed since the founding of the first Tyrolean Raiffeisen
bank in 1888 has proven its worth: sound, sustainable business
practices not based on unconditional efforts to maximise profits
and governed by the needs of the local community. Of the region,
for the region – that is the Raiffeisen principle!
The best formula for overcoming the crisis
The cooperative structure decried by many just a few years ago as
no longer in step with the times is once again very much in favour
all round the world. As they always have done, Tyrol’s Raiffeisen
banks do the business they know with people they know. That is
the best formula for overcoming the crisis. The customer deposits
entrusted to them are reinvested in the region in the form of loans
and credit facilities, thus remaining in local economic circulation,
and in the process safeguarding the region’s affluence and jobs as
well as strengthening its infrastructure.
Personal closeness to customers, advice based on partnership
between people, responsible offers and rapid on-the-spot deci-
sion-making count among Raiffeisen’s fundamental principles
every bit as much as the bank’s commitment to the region. That
is why the Tyrolean Raiffeisen banks have traditionally supported
the region’s charitable and educational institutions as well as its
cultural and sports associations, to the tune of over 20 million
euros during the past four years.
How the Raiffeisen principle works
In contrast to internationally active major banks, ever since their foundation, Raiffeisen-
Landesbank Tirol AG and the Tyrolean Raiffeisen banks have focused on the region.
Personal closeness to our customers, advice based on partnership between people, responsible offers and rapid on-the-spot decision-
making count among Raiffeisen’s fundamental principles every bit as much as our commitment to the region.
We do business we know with people we know.
The bank of the Tyroleans
Raiffeisen has always been and remains the bank of the Tyroleans.
For over 125 years, the Tyrolean Raiffeisen banks have been
reliable and competent partners, local providers of financing and
attractive employers for committed and capable people. And,
of course, the 79 Tyrolean Raiffeisen banks and their 260 or so
branches are wholly owned by the local population.
Raiffeisen has grown to become Tyrol’s strongest community
institution. In the future, human values, closeness to people and
the common good will continue to be at the forefront with
Raiffeisen – not profit maximisation. And voluntary work continues
to play a central role here. For example, every year, Tyrolean
Raiffeisen bank employees do 170,000 hours of voluntary work in
their free time, for instance in the fire service, mountain rescue and
other clubs and associations.
Over the following pages, we present some selected
examples of the Raiffeisen principle put into practice in
everyday life. These are representative of the many
commitments made by Tyrolean Raiffeisen banks, who
play an important role in the charitable, cultural and social
life of our region.