The Raiffeisen Group is a cooperative banking network based in Austria. It was founded in the mid-19th century by Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen, who aimed to provide financial support to rural communities. The group consists of numerous local banks that operate independently while sharing resources and expertise, focusing on serving their members and local economies. Today, the Raiffeisen Group offers a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment products. It emphasizes customer-oriented service and sustainable development, making it a significant player in the Austrian financial market and a model for cooperative banking worldwide.