Best bank 2025: UniCredit
UniCredit stands out in Romania for its all-round strength across financial performance, innovation and social impact in 2024.
During the period under review, UniCredit Bank Romania delivered a net profit of L1.46 billion ($334 million), up 12.6% year on year, driven by strong growth in net-interest income and fee-based revenues. Operating income rose to L3.09 billion, while loan volumes increased by 13%, reflecting the bank’s continued support for the real economy. The bank also maintained a strong return on equity of 16.75% and a cost-to-income ratio of 41.9%, underscoring its operational efficiency.
Among several key developments last year, one of the most important was the rollout of the Skills for Transition programme. This strategic initiative, launched in six countries including Romania, offers free, targeted training to students, employees and those not in employment, education or training, helping them adapt to the demands of the green transition. The programme reflects UniCredit’s commitment to empowering communities and supporting a just and fair transition.
On the digital side, the bank enhanced its customer experience in Romania through streamlined onboarding and multi-channel access, including mobile, remote and in-person services. Clients also benefit from the bank’s Group Payment Solutions and onemarkets investment platform, which are now available locally, offering a tailored suite of products and services.
The bank also made a series of enhancements to its internal culture, with Romanian staff actively participating in group-wide initiatives such as culture roadshows and bootcamps. This investment in people and purpose is another area where the bank stands out in the region.
Best investment bank 2025: Citi
Citi has demonstrated exceptional leadership in Romania’s investment banking sector. Its market share in the Romanian equity capital markets escalated impressively to 34%, up from 12% in 2023. Likewise, its share in the debt capital markets experienced significant growth, rising to 14% from 9% in the same period. These figures not only underscore Citi’s growth trajectory but also its growing dominance in the financial markets.
In September 2024, Citi was at the helm of Romania’s largest-ever bond issuance, which comprised €3 billion and $2.1 billion spread across three tranches. This transaction underscores Citi’s capacity to handle large-scale, complex deals that are critical to the Romanian economy.
Citi successfully acted as the joint global coordinator for Premier Energy’s €140 million IPO in May 2024. In this role, Citi took charge of multiple aspects of investor engagement, crafting the equity story, managing investor engagement and securing key anchor investments, including first-time capital inflows into Romania.
Another noteworthy achievement involved the Romgaz €500 million debut international bond in September 2024, which was oversubscribed by 11.5 times and priced with central and eastern Europe’s tightest sovereign differential.
In August 2024, Citi structured a €700 million bilateral acquisition deal for PPC, which facilitated the acquisition of Macquarie’s Romanian renewables portfolio. This not only highlighted Citi’s capability in structuring significant acquisition deals but also its commitment to supporting sustainable investments in the region.
Best digital bank 2025: Revolut
Revolut is Romania’s best digital bank, showing exceptional growth with a revenue increase of over 50% year on year. This reflects its strong financial health and customer acceptance in a competitive financial landscape.
In response to evolving customer needs, Revolut expanded its Instant Access Savings to seven new markets, including Romania, offering flexible and competitive financial products.
The launch of the Revolut X crypto trading platform alongside zero-commission exchange-traded fund investment plans in 2024 marked a significant stride in democratizing access to wealth management tools. These initiatives cater to a growing interest in diversified investment options among Romanians, reflecting an adaptative and innovative approach to financial services.
The year also saw the introduction of new security measures such as Lost Device Protection, Second Device Log In, and biometric Wealth Protection. These features were introduced alongside transaction limits to ensure enhanced security and trust among users, addressing key concerns in digital banking.
Furthermore, the establishment of a new Romanian branch with local IBANs, complemented by in-app customer support calls, significantly improved customer trust. This bricks-and-mortar presence alongside digital enhancements bridges the gap between traditional and digital banking, providing a comprehensive and reliable banking experience.
Through these initiatives, Revolut has not only fostered innovation and growth in Romania’s digital banking sector but has also significantly contributed to enhancing user experience and security.
Best bank for SMEs 2025: Raiffeisenbank
Raiffeisenbank Romania has demonstrated considerable growth and innovation in its services for small and medium-sized enterprises, positioning it strongly as Romania’s best bank for SMEs. In 2024, the bank reported a significant increase in deposits from legal entities, especially SMEs, up 30% year on year, underscoring the bank’s robust engagement with the sector.
The bank’s proactive approach in supporting SMEs was further highlighted by the increase in loan stock, facilitated notably through its participation in the SME Invest and Invest EU programmes. These initiatives have enabled tailored financial support, fostering business expansion and sustainability among SMEs.
In terms of technology, Raiffeisenbank launched a fully digital onboarding platform specifically designed for single-shareholder enterprises in late 2024. This platform simplifies and accelerates the onboarding process, reflecting the bank’s commitment to digital innovation and customer-centric solutions.
Raiffeisenbank enhanced its Smart Business app in 2024, incorporating features such as remote data updates, comprehensive card management and improved account visibility. These features provide SME clients with greater control and flexibility, enhancing their operational efficiency.
Additionally, the bank’s introduction of green loans with interest discounts for properties with superior energy performance, and the relaunching of a refinancing loan option in 2024 saw a strong uptake. Such financial products not only meet the needs of SMEs but also encourage environmentally responsible practices, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Best bank for ESG 2025: Raiffeisenbank
Raiffeisenbank Romania stands at the forefront of environmental, social and governance (ESG) banking practices in the country. The bank achieved a significant milestone by issuing approximately €1 billion in green and sustainable bonds by December 2024, with sustainable financing composing 24% of its total corporate portfolio.
By 2024, 99.93% of the bank’s cards were made from recycled PVC, aligning with its ambitious environmental transition strategy. Financial contributions to clean transportation and green real estate have also been impressive, with the bank disbursing €35.7 million and €18.2 million respectively in these sectors over the year.
Instrumental to incorporating ESG principles across its operations, Raiffeisenbank implemented several key frameworks and policies in 2024. These included an ESG rulebook and an ESG risk framework, along with sectoral exclusion policies to further solidify the integration of responsible banking practices.
The bank also took significant strides in educating its staff on ESG issues through its ESG Academy, which saw 99% of targeted retail staff completing specialised training, while 60 key staff participated in Climate Fresk workshops.
Such initiatives not only epitomise Raiffeisenbank Romania’s dedication to ESG but also set a benchmark for sustainable banking in the region. Through their array of measurable actions and implementations, they provide a robust model for how financial institutions can align with ESG standards effectively.
