The two Neuchâtel Raiffeisen banks continue at their cruising speed. Despite the economic complications of the year 2022, they draw up a positive balance sheet this Thursday with all their figures on the rise.
A desire for healthy growth
For example, their profit stands at 2.1 million, an increase of 4.7% compared to 2021 and mortgage loans record an increase of 5.7%. “Our 100% Swiss and secure business model guarantees this stability. We are not exploding the counters, on the other hand, we are progressing in a stable and safe way for the customers”, explains Laurent Risse, president of the Neuchâtel Federation of Raiffeisen banks. These increases are explained, according to him, both by the arrival of new customers (865 more in 2022), but also by the increase in the Raiffeisen shares of existing customers.
For Laurent Risse, the work carried out in the Neuchâtel Mountains as well as for the Neuchâtel et Vallées bank goes in the same direction. In both cases, the trends are upwards and there is no noticeable difference in the numbers.
A frank cap
One of the results put forward by the Neuchâtel Federation of Raiffeisen Banks is the milestone of 3 billion balance sheet which was crossed last year. “This number has a special meaning because it is a stage. It’s long-term work that continues. We are growing healthily and taking an important place in the canton’s banking market,” rejoices Laurent Risse.
Interest transactions, the main source of income for banks (75% of operating income), are up 3.6% to 30.9 million income. The sign that the finances of Neuchâtel residents are doing well, according to the president of the Federation.
The most impressive increase is that of wealth management mandates, which increased by 50%. A figure that does not surprise Laurent Risse: “Now people understand that Raiffeisen is a bank that offers all the services. For a long time, it was mainly considered for standard investments and mortgages. »
Neuchâtel Raiffeisen banks have faced some challenges in 2022, however. The stock market collapse and the lack of confidence in the markets have sent bankers and customers into a cold sweat. “There is always the question of guaranteeing a security image. We must constantly calculate the risks well and comply with the ever more prudent standards of FINMA. In 2022, a certain fear in the markets was felt. Despite everything, the real economy continued to function. »
Now number 2 nationally
Asked about the takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS and its impact on Raiffeisen, Laurent Risse admits that it is still difficult to anticipate the consequences. In any case, there is no question of rejoicing. Although it is a competitor, it is the image of the Swiss banking system that is impacted as a whole, according to the president. “Perhaps customers will want to turn to banks like ours with a uniquely Swiss business model”, envisages Laurent Risse. However, he explains that Raiffeisen does not take any specific measures to attract these people.
What is certain, however, is that Raiffeisen moved into second place in the ranking of the largest national banks following this takeover. “I think it changes something in communication because we are now fewer players and are among the most important. There may be different listening and expectations on the part of the authorities and the clientele,” imagines Laurent Risse. /comm-cde