Raiffeisen (Switzerland)

Raiffeisen (Switzerland) is a cooperative banking group and the third-largest banking group in Switzerland. It comprises the Raiffeisen Switzerland Cooperative, which acts as the central organization, and the autonomous Raiffeisen banks.

Raiffeisen banks in Switzerland are locally rooted and primarily focused on serving the needs of private individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They operate as independent cooperatives, owned by their members. These members are also typically the bank's customers, holding a share in the cooperative. This structure emphasizes local decision-making and a focus on community banking.

The Raiffeisen Switzerland Cooperative provides support and services to the Raiffeisen banks, including IT infrastructure, branding, risk management, and regulatory compliance. It also represents the Raiffeisen Group's interests at the national level.

The history of Raiffeisen in Switzerland dates back to the late 19th century, inspired by the cooperative banking model developed by Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen in Germany. The first Raiffeisen bank in Switzerland was founded in 1899.

Raiffeisen banks offer a wide range of financial services, including savings accounts, mortgages, loans, investment products, and payment services. They are known for their customer-focused approach and their commitment to sustainable banking practices.