Raiffeisen Certificates: Two Decades of Passion, Precision and Purpose

Built on passion, guided by prudence, and sustained through innovation, Raiffeisen Certificates has become one of Central Europe’s most trusted names in structured investments. Over two decades, the franchise has grown into a hallmark of integrity and reliability, driven by a culture that fuses capital markets expertise with a deeply human approach to client service.

When Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) integrated its certificates business in 2022, the transition was less about structural change and more about reinforcing a legacy. The team behind Raiffeisen Certificates — already one of the most experienced and respected in the region — has spent twenty years cultivating an investor base built on trust, education, and product excellence. Today, their success story is defined as much by culture as by performance.

“Do what you do with passion,” says a senior representative of Raiffeisen Certificates. “Our team would not have achieved so much if we viewed our work merely as a job. We are united by our enthusiasm for the capital markets and for certificates in particular. Our customers and sales partners feel that passion — it is the key to our success.”

A Culture of Continuity

The shift from Raiffeisen Centrobank (RCB) to RBI was a milestone, but not a disruption. “Honestly, not much has changed,” the representative explains. “We are still the same coordinated and experienced team, operating close to our customers’ needs. During integration, it was crucial that neither product quality nor customer service suffered. Clients care about the value we deliver, not about our internal structure.”

That commitment has paid off. Since the integration in December 2022, Raiffeisen’s certificates business has grown strongly, reflecting both customer loyalty and the enduring relevance of structured products in the modern investment landscape. “Our customers have stayed with us because we’ve remained focused on their needs,” the representative adds. “Stability, transparency, and quality are constants in how we operate.”

Product Integrity and the Long Game

In a retail-heavy market, where short-term performance often overshadows long-term value, Raiffeisen Certificates stands out for its emphasis on product integrity. “The best customers are satisfied customers,” the representative says. “Those who have positive experiences with their certificates are more likely to reinvest. That’s why we prioritise diversified underlyings and adequate safety mechanisms that give investors peace of mind.”

This client-centric design philosophy is not just about compliance — it’s about building durable relationships. Certificates are crafted with a strong focus on suitability across market cycles, with red lines drawn where leverage or structural complexity could compromise investor trust. In an era where financial innovation can sometimes blur the line between creativity and risk, Raiffeisen’s disciplined approach ensures that innovation never comes at the expense of integrity.

Managing Volatility with Confidence

As Head of Certificates and Equity Trading, the representative oversees operations in markets where pricing, inventory, and hedging are constantly tested by volatility. The response is a blend of cutting-edge technology and human discipline.

“Controls are key,” they note. “We maintain robust risk management frameworks, real-time monitoring systems, and effective communication channels within our trading team. Efficient hedging requires state-of-the-art pricing models that reflect market conditions in real time.”

That rigour was tested in April 2025, when markets surged following U.S. tariff announcements. “Volatility spiked — but we saw inflows into Raiffeisen certificates on every single trading day. That tells us our systems and our clients’ confidence held strong. Investors recognised the advantages of certificates in turbulent markets.”

Educating Investors, Building Confidence

Education has been central to Raiffeisen Certificates’ mission since its inception. The firm recognises that behavioural biases often lead investors to misjudge risk and opportunity. “Many retail investors focus only on the risks of the capital markets and miss the opportunities,” the representative says. “Others want to invest but wait endlessly for better entry points — meanwhile, the market moves on.”

For such investors, capital-protection certificates provide a vital entry bridge into markets. They offer exposure with defined safety mechanisms, allowing first-time investors to participate confidently. Raiffeisen’s emphasis on accessible, transparent education has made certificates a gateway product for thousands of clients who might otherwise remain on the sidelines of investment markets.

Setting Standards, Shaping the Industry

Beyond its client base, Raiffeisen Certificates plays a leading role in setting standards for the European certificates market. The representative, active within both EUSIPA and Austria’s Zertifikate Forum Austria (ZFA), is a long-time advocate of pragmatic regulation.

“I am not opposed to regulation,” they clarify. “But balance is crucial — where does legitimate consumer protection end, and where does overregulation begin? In some cases, self-regulation is the more effective path.”

They point to the EUSIPA Principles as a milestone in establishing ethical and operational standards for the industry. “Still, I believe the best investor protection is financial education. That must begin in schools. Unfortunately, many European countries still lag in that regard.”

They also highlight the EU’s Savings and Investment Union (SIU) as an important step toward mobilising retail investors. “Certificates can play a major role in bringing individuals into capital markets in a secure, structured way.”

Nurturing Talent, Nurturing Trust

For Raiffeisen Certificates, people are as important as products. “We have two key assets — the competence of our team and the trust of our customers,” the representative explains. “Both must be continuously nurtured.”

The company’s leadership philosophy combines high expectations with continuous development. “I focus on challenging and supporting,” they add. “Young professionals need honest feedback to grow. Passion, meticulousness, and a willingness to learn are non-negotiable. The best structurers and market-makers are those who stay curious.”

This emphasis on mentorship has created a culture of consistency — where innovation is grounded in experience, and experience is continually renewed through talent development.

Harnessing Digital Tools

Technology has also been instrumental in strengthening Raiffeisen’s agility. “Our advanced pricing engines and scenario visualisers have drastically shortened time-to-market,” the representative notes. “They help us assess multiple scenarios in advance, enabling rapid, informed decision-making — especially during volatility.”

Automation, they say, has not replaced human judgement but enhanced it. “It allows us to focus our expertise where it matters most — on client outcomes and strategic innovation.”

Passion with Purpose

Today, Raiffeisen Certificates stands as a model of resilience in a rapidly evolving market. Its foundations — passion, discipline, and education — remain as relevant as ever. From its stronghold in Austria, the franchise continues to expand across Central and Eastern Europe, offering investors a blend of safety, flexibility, and transparency.

“Our growth reflects one simple truth,” the representative concludes. “When you operate with integrity and passion, success follows. We’ve built this business over twenty years not just on products, but on people — our team, our partners, and our clients. That’s what makes Raiffeisen Certificates what it is today.”