Global Finance is proud to announce the winners of the Best Trade Finance Banks for 2026.

This year’s recipients—Standard Bank, DBS, Banreservas, Raiffeisen Bank International, BBVA, Bank ABC, BNY Mellon, and UniCredit—distinguished themselves by leveraging innovative digital platforms, expanding global and regional connectivity, and developing specialized solutions to navigate increasingly complex trade environments. From supporting key economic corridors in Asia-Pacific to pioneering sustainable finance across Africa and the CEE, these institutions are setting the standard for efficiency, compliance, and client service in the global trade ecosystem.

Best Trade Finance Bank in Central and Eastern Europe

Raiffeisen Bank International

Raiffeisen Bank International’s (RBI) commitment to enabling international commerce, leveraging its expertise, extensive trade finance footprint, and global partnerships, is a key reason for its recognition as the Best Trade Finance Bank in CEE.

“As an international bank, we see our role as an enabler of international commerce by leveraging our strong expertise, extensive trade finance footprint, and partnerships with banks and DFIs across the world,” states Sabine Zucker, Head of Group Transaction Banking at Raiffeisen Bank International. “With over 30 years of global expertise, RBI enables corporates to enter attractive but operationally complex markets with reduced counterparty, regulatory, and performance risk.”

In practice, RBI supports corporates by: Confirming and issuing trade finance instruments (such as LCs and guarantees) on local banks, allowing exporters to rely on RBI’s balance sheet rather than unfamiliar counterparties.

Providing local advisory support through helping clients navigate banking practices, regulatory requirements, and business habits that might differ materially from Western Europe.

Offering sustainable trade finance solutions, building on RBI’s recognition by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as a leading confirming bank, supporting green trade flows into emerging corridors while maintaining robust risk controls.

“This combination of regional footprint, risk appetite, and sustainability expertise allows companies to pursue growth opportunities in the Western Balkans and the Caucasus with greater certainty and speed,” Zucker adds.