In the rapidly evolving landscape of finance, the intersection of digital assets and Artificial Intelligence is reshaping business operations. As we navigate this transformative era, it’s essential to explore how these technologies are being integrated into our operations, and the strategic implications for investors and service providers alike.
Viewed through a post-trade lens, the backbone functions of clearing, settlement, and custody are experiencing a dual disruption driven by digital assets and AI. Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is emerging as an important hub for this convergence, offering deep expertise and talent, EU regulatory alignment through MiCAR and the AI Act, and a growing ecosystem of blockchain and AI startups. Together, these factors position CEE not just as a follower, but as an equal partner in post‑trade modernisation efforts.
Leveraging AI for Operational Efficiency
At RBI Group, we recognise the significant potential of AI in enhancing operational efficiency. Our teams are actively integrating tools such as RBI’s internal version of ChatGPT and Microsoft 365 Copilot, which simplify daily tasks and thereby enhance productivity.
AI is also making waves in RBI software development, testing, and migration, with tools like GitHub Copilot revolutionising our approach and allowing our teams to focus on innovation. We are gradually moving toward applying AI to automation of Custody operations by building AI-powered solutions for extracting the data from unstructured documents and providing it in structured form digestible by the existing Custody or Cash systems.
And this is just the beginning. AI‑driven algorithms can optimise collateral management and anticipate settlement failures before they occur. This will support near‑instant reconciliation across counterparties and will reduce counterparty risk, particularly in cross‑border transactions. In the CEE’s fragmented markets environment, we aim to benefit from these efficiencies.
The rise of Digital Assets
Although the pace of Digital assets implementation may look disappointing, we experience significant change in mood of mainstream providers toward this asset class, from “no go” to “must have”. RBI engagement with Digital Assets has also evolved and has become a strategic response to the growing investor interest and the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). This regulation establishes a framework for the licensing and supervision of crypto asset service providers (CASP), ensuring market integrity and investor protection.
At RBI Group, we are committed to a step-by-step approach in the crypto asset business, aligning our strategies with the MiCAR framework while being acutely aware of the inherent risks. Our intention is to develop services in traditional banking for licensed CASPs, offer crypto asset services to clients, and explore tokenisation and issuance of digital assets, all underpinned by rigorous compliance measures. To achieve that, the bank is actively pursuing different integration paths: through partnerships with external digital assets champions, use of specialised crypto assets custodians or creating its own connectivity to the blockchain layer via Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. In order not to sound groundless, it should be pointed out at the existing co-operation of Raiffeisen Landesbank Niederösterreich Wien with Bitpanda in Austria or services being built by RBI subsidiaries in CEE countries with third party crypto custodians. RBI has initiated a CASP license process under MiCAR through its subsidiary with the aim of offering Asset Reference Tokens (ART) for its clients in 2026. Finally, RBI is one of the founders of the banking consortium to provide EUR stablecoin.
We are also monitoring infrastructural developments in digital assets space in the region. Initiatives such as CSDonDLT presented by Polish CSD, aiming at enabling the settlement of OTC transactions in existing securities using blockchain, or a set of workshops organised by OeKB presenting blockchain based use cases for its participants, stimulate discussion on digital assets integration with traditional custody. RBI actively participates in these projects as they may define convergence paths from traditional to digital asset spaces.
Bridging Markets in CEE
RBI Group Prime Services (GPS) positions itself as a gateway between East and West, facilitating seamless access to the CEE region for international investors while providing domestic investors with a bridge to global markets. We offer direct Central Securities Depository market access from Vienna to over ten CEE markets.
From a post‑trade standpoint, cross‑border interoperability is essential. AI‑enabled processes and blockchain‑based workflows can simplify reconciliation and reduce counterparty risk across these markets, aligning with our direct access model.
Our deep-rooted presence in local economies equips us with invaluable expertise, allowing us to navigate complex regulatory environments and provide resilient support to our clients, especially in challenging circumstances. We are actively involved in initiatives such as “Rebuild with Ukraine,” maintaining capital market infrastructure while supporting local and foreign investments.
Moreover, our unified leadership structure integrates IT, operations, and business, enhancing collaboration and client experience across the value chain. This strategy emphasises tailor-made solutions, regional dominance, and global connectivity, reinforcing RBI’s role as a CEE expert and a global provider of choice for clients.
As we look ahead, the convergence of Digital Assets and AI presents exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. DLT platforms are likely to be integrated into post‑trade workflows, enabling real‑time settlement and predictive risk management. They may also pave the way towards more interoperable markets, expanding investment opportunities for CEE.
Institutions that invest now in technology and partnerships will define the next chapter of post‑trade services. By embracing these technologies, RBI can enhance operational efficiencies, expand our service offerings, and better serve our clients in a dynamic and evolving market landscape. The future of finance is here, and RBI is committed to leading the way in this transformation.