Raiffeisenbank to continue business in Russia regardless of RBI format of participation

MOSCOW. March 17 (Interfax) - Raiffeisenbank intends to continue operating in Russia, regardless of the format of participation by Austrian group Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) in its capital, the Russian bank said in a statement.

"Raiffeisenbank will continue to work on the Russian market, regardless of the format of participation of the RBI group in its capital. In addition, the review of RBI's participation is being considered only as a last resort at present - no specific decisions have been made," it said.

RBI said earlier that it was assessing all strategic options for the future of Raiffeisenbank Russia, up to and including a carefully managed exit from Raiffeisenbank in Russia.

Raiffeisenbank said it was providing all financial services in full and was ready to ensure uninterrupted availability of transactions for customers. "Our safety margin will enable us to feel confident in any crisis situation. We regularly conduct stress tests in order to prepare for various market scenarios," the Russian bank said.

"We will continue to serve all our clients in Russia, remaining one of the most reliable banks in our country," it said.