Leading Sub-Custodian Banks in Central and Eastern Europe Predicted for 2025
In the competitive landscape of banking, UniCredit stands out as a leading player in Central and Eastern Europe. The financial institution offers two service models across its franchise: direct-servicing and hub and spoke, with the latter being implemented in Austria.
The editorial board of a renowned website meticulously selected UniCredit as the country winner in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Hungary, based on a rigorous process that considered factors such as customer relations, quality of service, technology platforms, post-settlement operations, local market knowledge, regulations, and practices.
UniCredit's hub and spoke model in Austria offers clients a single counterparty relationship for efficiencies with documentation and due diligence, as well as a dedicated relationship manager. This model is designed to streamline operations and provide a seamless experience for clients.
In addition to its service offerings, UniCredit is developing digital client platforms for real-time access to portfolio transactions, with analytics and custom reporting. This focus on technology is a testament to the bank's commitment to staying at the forefront of the digital revolution in banking.
UniCredit is also making strides in enhancing straight-through processing of transactions, leveraging automation and artificial intelligence to streamline workflows and reduce manual intervention and errors. This focus on efficiency and accuracy is a key part of UniCredit's client-centric approach.
The bank's client-centric approach emphasizes tailored post-trade solutions, process efficiency through high levels of automation, strong operational risk management, and market advocacy. UniCredit is an advocate for its clients on regulatory and market developments and is a powerful resource for peers and regulators across its franchise.
Moreover, UniCredit is experiencing consistent growth in assets under custody, revenue from existing customers, and new client mandates. The bank is upgrading its TCS BaNCS custody system in eight markets and launching a data-aggregation platform for greater access throughout the franchise.
However, it's worth noting that Raiffeisen Bank replaced UniCredit as the market leader in customer service, technology, and post-trade processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Hungary in 2021. Despite this change, UniCredit remains a formidable player in the region, with a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
In conclusion, UniCredit's extensive franchise in Central and Eastern Europe, combined with its commitment to technology, client-centricity, and operational excellence, makes it a leading contender in the region's banking landscape.
