Bitpanda and Raiffeisen Partner to Bring Crypto Services to Millions Across Europe

Highlights:

• Raiffeisen and Bitpanda are expanding crypto access across Central and Eastern Europe through a shared banking framework.
• The partnership could bring digital asset services to up to 18 million customers across RBI’s network.
• Individual RBI banks will choose which crypto services to launch based on local rules and market conditions.

Leading European banking group Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) and Bitpanda Enterprise have partnered to expand cryptocurrency access across Central and Eastern Europe. The two Austrian companies are developing a shared framework that could bring digital asset services to up to 18 million banking customers across RBI’s network.

In its September 23 announcement, Bitpanda said it will provide the underlying crypto infrastructure, while individual RBI network banks will decide which services to offer and when to launch them. Each rollout will depend on local market conditions and regulatory requirements. The agreement does not mean all 18 million customers will receive crypto access immediately.

Top European Bank to offer Crypto Trading through Bitpanda

Raiffeisen Bank International has formally partnered with @Bitpanda_global to bring digital asset trading infrastructure to its branch banks.

The project is set to offer digital assets to an estimated 18 million… pic.twitter.com/y6fgTwhH79

— BSCN (@BSCNews) September 23, 2026

RBI Banks Will Set Their Own Crypto Rollout Plans

RBI will provide its regional banking network and customer relationships. Meanwhile, Bitpanda Enterprise will supply the technology needed to integrate digital assets into existing banking services. Bitpanda’s institutional platform supports crypto trading, custody and other digital asset services. However, the companies have not confirmed which features each RBI bank will offer.

RBI operates subsidiary banks in 11 Central and Eastern European markets. The new framework will allow these banks to introduce crypto services without building their own digital asset infrastructure from scratch.

In the companies’ joint September 23 press release, RBI CEO Michael Höllerer said:

“We are seeing growing demand for crypto assets in our markets, which we are addressing with a strong, reputable partner.”

The companies have not announced a fixed regional launch schedule or identified which RBI banks will introduce the services first. They have also not confirmed which cryptocurrencies will be available in each market.

Partnership Builds on Raiffeisen’s Existing Crypto Services in Austria

The expanded partnership follows an existing arrangement between Bitpanda and Raiffeisen banks in Austria. Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien (RLB NÖ-Wien) was among the first traditional banks in the European Union to offer cryptocurrency access through its existing banking environment. Bitpanda provided the technology behind the service, allowing customers to invest in crypto through their bank.

The partnership has since expanded to other parts of Austria. In June 2026, Bitpanda announced that Raiffeisen banks in Tyrol had started offering crypto investment services in May. The expansion followed earlier launches in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland. The Tyrol offering initially focused on major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitpanda also outlined plans to introduce additional digital assets and savings plans in later phases.

The latest agreement extends the existing model beyond Austria. Instead of developing separate integrations for individual markets, RBI and Bitpanda are creating a shared framework for the wider banking group. However, the rollout will remain gradual. Participating banks will introduce digital asset services according to their local requirements rather than launching a single product across the entire region at once.