Raiffeisen is a cooperative banking group founded in the mid-19th century by Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen in Germany. It focuses on providing financial services to local communities, emphasizing mutual support and self-help. The Raiffeisen model promotes the idea of members pooling resources to achieve common financial goals. Today, Raiffeisen operates in various countries, particularly in Austria and Switzerland, offering services like savings accounts, loans, and investment products. The cooperative structure allows members to have a say in the bank's operations, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility among its clients.