Vienna International Banking Industry News

Read the latest headlines about developments in the international banking industry in Vienna and Austria

Erste Group to Pay Back € 1.8bn in State Aid

The Austrian banking institute plans on not only paying back its debts at the state but also to significantly increase equity capital.

June 24, 2013

Slovenia Expects Economic Recovery As Soon As 2014

On Saturday, the Slovenian Finance Ministry expressed its confidence that the newly adopted action plan would help stabilize public finances and help gain economic recovery despite of Fitch’s downgrade.

June 24, 2013

Austria: Investigations on Loan to Alpine

Apparently ailing bank Hypo Group plays a role in the bankruptcy of Austrian construction company Alpine. The bank is supposed to have granted a bridge loan.

June 21, 2013

Changes to the Management Board of Erste Group

CFO Wimmer to retire, Mittendorfer to take over.

June 21, 2013

Hypo: Deal with Russian Oligarch with “Proper Mortgage”

The investigations into money laundering at the Federal Criminal Office concerning the business with Russian oligarch Vladimir Antonov were brought to an end without any results. There were no arms among the securities.

June 20, 2013

Hypo Group: Business With Russian Oligarch

Austrian magazine „News“ unveils a remarkable business connection of Hypo Group from 2008.

June 19, 2013

Cyprus Demands Further Capital Aid

In a letter to the European Union, President of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiades demands further capital support for the Bank of Cyprus, the “Wallstreet Journal” reports. According to him, Cyprus’ economy depended on it.

June 19, 2013

Alpine Facing Bankruptcy

The restructuring of Austria’s second biggest construction company Alpine has failed. The enterprise therefore has to face bankruptcy.

June 19, 2013

Hungary: Taxes to Be Raised

Shortly before the parliamentary summer recess taxes were raised by the government of Viktor Orban.

June 18, 2013

Alpine: Bondholders to Lose Assets

On Monday evening the decision was made for the financial reorganization of the Austrian construction company.

June 18, 2013

Bankruptcy Case Mayr-Melnhof in Switzerland

In Domat/Ems, Switzerland’s biggest sawmill was supposed to be operated. The only thing left now, however, is a financial hole running in the millions. Erste Group is concerned by losses as well.

June 17, 2013

Slovakia and Unicredit in a Dispute

In Slovakia a dispute between Unicredit and the state has incensed. This could negatively affect the planned merger with a Czech affiliate in 2014.

June 17, 2013

Slovenia: Mercator to be Finally Sold

It is the ninth sale attempt for Slovenian trade chain Mercator today, but it could be finally sealed. Croatian corporation Agrokor is the interested party. A dozen owners will decide about the retail chain’s fate.

June 14, 2013

Poland: PKO BP to Acquire Polish Assets of Nordea

Bank PKO BP strikes deal to buy Nordea's Polish assets.

June 13, 2013

EU Abandons Quarterly Reports

Listed enterprises in the European Union do not have to present quarterly reports from 2015 on.

June 12, 2013

Fekter: „Bad Bank for Hypo Not The Most Creative Solution“

The Austrian Greens affirm their demand for the establishing of a bad bank for the ailing Hypo Group and a respective bill.

June 12, 2013

Ukraine Leaps to Business Deregulation

One of the reform priorities for Ukraine in 2012 has become the deregulation of business activity.

June 11, 2013

Serracchiani: „Will Do Everything I Can“

In an interview with Austrian newspaper “Kleine Zeitung“ Debora Serracchiani, new regional president of the province Friuli in Italy announced to do everything so that Hypo Group Italy will survive.

June 11, 2013

Moody’s: Rate Cuts Credit-Negative for Polish Banks

The recently passed cut in interest rates by Poland’s Monetary Policy Council has a negative effect on credits for Polish banks, rating agency Moody’s announced.

June 11, 2013

Fekter: The North Feeds The South

Finance Minister Fekter compares the situation in Europe with the economic circumstances in Italy.

June 11, 2013

Poland: Sale of Foreign Currencies to Stabilize Zloty

After lowest rate in one year, the Polish government had to take actions.

June 10, 2013

Siemens VAI to Modernize Ukrainian Steel Plant

The signing of a major contract in Ukraine for Upper-Austrian industrial plant construction company Siemens VAI is in its final steps.

June 10, 2013

RBI Opens Branch Office in Hong Kong

RBI as only Austrian bank with an operative presence in Greater China Region. Focus on trade and corporate finance solutions.

June 10, 2013

Hypo Group: Fekter Under Pressure

Finance Minister Fekter is put under pressure by Austrian Green Party to establish a bad bank for Hypo Group.

June 10, 2013

RBI: Karl Sevelda Named New CEO

Raiffeisen Bank International AG named Karl Sevelda as its new chief executive, following Herbert Stepic's recent offer to resign the post.

June 7, 2013

RBI Supervisory Board to Elect Stepic’s Successor

On Friday, the supervisory board will vote on former CEO Herbert Stepic’s successor for listed Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI).

June 7, 2013

Poland: Base Rate Down to Record Low

Poland’s Monetary Council has cut the base rate to 2.75 percent.

June 6, 2013

Papa: CEESE To Keep Growth Advantage

Deputy CEO of Bank Austria Papa sees a long-term potential in CESEE countries. Bank Austria is expecting a growing credit business apart from the favorable economic outlook in the region.

June 6, 2013

RBI Awarded “Best Bank in CEE & CIS 2012“

Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) was again awarded the prestigious title of "Best Bank in CEE & CIS" by EMEA Finance magazine.

June 6, 2013

Slovenia: Commission’s Target to Be Achieved in September

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Gregor Virant announced that Slovenia will achieve the EU Commission’s aim for approving more budget cuts by the end of September to avoid international bailout.

June 6, 2013

Austria: Liebscher as Chairman of Hypo Group’s Supervisory Board

Liebscher is to take over Ditz’ position after the meeting of bodies on June 21.

June 5, 2013

Hypo Group: Possible Deductions from Selling Price

The new British-Indian Owner of Hypo Group is to pay only € 32m for the time being.

June 5, 2013

Slovenia: Bailout As An Option

Prime Minister Bratusek announced her consent to introduce fiscal rule in 2015.

June 4, 2013

Hypo Group: Italian Affilate Not to be Closed

The nationalized Carinthian bank has no plans of shutting down its Italien affiliate.

June 4, 2013

Fitch to Downgrade Cyprus Again

The rating agency sees high risks for aid programs.

June 4, 2013

Austria: Finance Ministry Regrets Ditz’ Withdrawal

Johannes Ditz, chairman of Hypo Group’s suvervisory board, announced his withdrawal yesterday.

June 4, 2013

Romania: Erste Forecasts Economic Growth at 1.8 Percent

Erste keeps Romania's economic growth forecast for 2013 unchanged at 1.8 %.

June 3, 2013

Hypo: Ditz to Resign

Chairman of Hypo Group’s supervising board Johannes Ditz might soon resign, according to media reports.

June 3, 2013

Czech Repubic to Restrict Budget Cuts

To boost domestic economy, the Finance Ministry announced to temporarily restrict budget cuts.

May 31, 2013

Austria: Hypo Alpe Adria Group and Anadi Financial Holdings Pte. Ltd. Signed Deal

After a successful restructuring of the bank the signing is an important step towards the privatization of the banking institute.

May 31, 2013

Slovenia: NKBM Still In the Reds

Particularly high risk provision caused the bank a net loss of € 8.5m. Even for the whole of 2013, losses are expected.

May 31, 2013

Hypo: Contract Could Be Signed Today

Today the Austrian affiliate of Hypo Group could be transferred to the property of Indian Srei Group. The company is a fast-growing listed enterprise with around 30,000 clients.

May 31, 2013

32 More Austrians Mentioned in Offshore-List

According to Austrian magazine News, 32 further Austrians from all occupations and age groups are listed at the so-called Offshore-Leaks.

May 29, 2013

Erste Group Claimed of Being Interested in Croatian Banks

There are rumors of the taking over of Hypo Croatia and HPB. However, the banks deny the speculations.

May 29, 2013

Hypo Group to Sell Austrian Affiliate

On Friday the deal of nationalized Hypo Bank’s Austrian affiliate will finally be sealed. Indian Srei Group will become the new owner in all likelyhood. The company will pay € 60m to € 70m.

May 29, 2013

Capital Inflow & Outflow In Hungary Broke Records Last Year

Last year, the amount of foreign direct investments totalled EUR 10.462bn in Hungary, which exceeds the previous year’s figure by EUR 6.7bn and which is the largest amount ever recorded.

May 28, 2013

RBI: Stepic’s Successor to Be Announced Next Week

Former CEO of RBI (Raiffeisen Bank International) Herbert Stepic has publicly declared his resignation last week. The announcement to his successor is a long time in the coming.

May 28, 2013

Austria: Faymann Proposes Extension of Bank Levy

Not only the federation and taxpayers should avow for the losses at Hypo Group. This week the restructuring plan has to be handed to the EU Commission.

May 27, 2013

Commission Welcomes Slovenia’s Commitment

The EU Commission approved of Slovenia’s adoption of a balanced budget rule on Friday last week.

May 27, 2013

Croatia: PM Anxious About Country’s Image

Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic announced that Croatia had to fight hard for its reputation within the European Union.

May 27, 2013