Best international private bank: Raiffeisen Private Banking
Raiffeisen Private Banking’s strong performance in Croatia during the review period was underpinned by a research-driven advisory framework and increasing client interest in investment solutions.
From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the bank based its advisory activities on a Mifid II-aligned process that assigns Croatian private banking clients to one of five risk profiles, each linked to model portfolios composed of funds, bonds and certificates. This structure gave relationship managers a unified method for translating market developments into portfolio recommendations across all branches, strengthening suitability and making outcomes more consistent.
The Financial Advisory Tool was streamlined from 17 to 13 steps, removing elements that offered lower value while preserving all essential risk controls. This adjustment made discussions about asset classes and portfolio alignment easier for clients to follow and helped shorten meetings, supporting clearer decision-making across the client base.
Product offerings evolved in line with Croatian investors’ appetite for yield and transparent risk characteristics. Raiffeisen’s early development of structured products in Croatia meant it was well positioned to meet rising demand for bonus certificates with defined protection, followed by increasing interest in express certificates as equity markets strengthened and clients sought higher coupon opportunities. This responded to shifting risk preferences while remaining firmly within suitability parameters.
Advisers also addressed the strong rise in client demand for precious metal exposure by offering liquid gold and silver exchange-traded options rather than physical holdings, a shift that proved especially popular in Croatia as investors sought accessible ways to hedge volatility and broaden diversification.
