Bitpanda and RBI bring crypto to CEE bank customers

Bitpanda and Raiffeisen Bank International agree a group-wide framework for crypto services in 11 CEE markets. What it means for buying crypto.

Crypto 24 Sept 2026 2 min read

Bitpanda and RBI logos linked by a bank symbol

Bitpanda and Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) are expanding their partnership. RBI’s network banks in Central and Eastern Europe can now add crypto services through a group-⁠wide framework, with Bitpanda supplying the technology. The banks serve about 18 million customers.

What did Bitpanda and RBI announce?

The news comes from the Bitpanda press release of 23 September 2026. RBI gets a framework for digital asset services in all its regional markets. The infrastructure comes from Bitpanda Enterprise, the company’s business arm for banks, fintechs and brokers. The rollout is meant to be gradual and to follow local needs in each country.

Key figures: about 18 million customers of RBI network banks, 11 markets in Central and Eastern Europe, 2024 launch in Austria with RLB NÖ-Wien

Where does this come from?

According to the release, Raiffeisen Landesbank Niederösterreich-Wien became the first traditional bank in the EU to offer crypto within its existing banking platform in 2024, powered by Bitpanda. The new agreement turns that single-⁠market model into a group-⁠wide one. RBI’s subsidiary banks cover 11 CEE markets. Michael Höllerer, CEO of RBI, points to growing demand for crypto assets in these markets. Christian Trummer, co-⁠founder and Co-⁠CEO of Bitpanda, talks about combining the reach and trust of banking with digital asset technology.

What does it mean for you?

For now, little changes. The release names no country, no start date, no coins and no fees. Which banks launch first, and what customers pay, is open. If your bank is part of the RBI network, watch for a notice in its app or online banking.

Buying directly from the broker doesn’t change either. You can still open an account with Bitpanda itself. Our terms, the regulation under MiCA and the starter bonus via eWO are on the Bitpanda page. A bank account at an RBI bank is not required for that.

One thing to keep in mind: the crypto at a bank is a service of that bank, with its own prices and terms. Compare the offer with Bitpanda’s own before you decide. We make no price forecasts and give no investment advice.

We’ll update this post once the banks announce dates or prices.