The Raiffeisen banks of Thunersee and Kiesental have announced plans to merge in order to enhance their competitive edge in the banking sector.
This strategic decision is driven by the need to adapt to the changing financial industry, characterized by increasing regulatory demands, rapid digitalization, and shifting customer expectations.
The merger is currently under consideration and cooperative members will vote on the proposal at the end of March 2025. The banks plan to retain all existing branches while enhancing their offerings in wealth and corporate client advisory services.
The goal is to address the diverse needs of their customer base while navigating the complexities of the modern banking environment. The merger aims to improve service delivery and operational efficiency, which are critical in an era where customer loyalty is increasingly hard to secure.
The merged entity will operate under the name Raiffeisenbank Thunersee-Kiesental, with its headquarters located in Thun. The governance structure will feature equal representation from both banks, ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are adequately represented.
The technical and administrative aspects of the merger are scheduled to be finalized by June 10, 2025, with retroactive effect from January 1, 2025. The banks are committed to preserving jobs and locations, underscoring their dedication to their workforce and the communities they serve.
The merger aims to enhance the customer experience by improving advisory services, particularly in wealth management and corporate finance. The banks also plan to build on existing partnerships in marketing, sponsoring, customer events, and staff training to foster innovation and improve service delivery. The emphasis is on maintaining familiar customer relationships while expanding service offerings.
The goal of the merger is to create a stronger, more resilient institution that can effectively navigate the challenges of the modern banking environment while delivering exceptional value to their members and customers.