How many places will be cut directly with layoffs?

Raiffeisen does not specify an exact subdivision. The Group announces that "more than half" of the 180 posts will be eliminated through natural fluctuation, elimination of vacancies, external staff reduction and early retirement. About 90 seats will be cut through these methods; the remaining 90 will likely result in direct layoffs and other measures, but the company does not provide precise figures.

By when does Raiffeisen end the savings program?

The Group sets the deadline at 2027 for achieving the target of reducing CHF 60 million in costs. The structural reorganisation into six departments comes into effect from October 2026. Individual communications will begin in the weeks following the August 26, 2026 announcement.

What are Raiffeisen's financial results in 2026?

In the first half of 2026, Raiffeisen recorded a profit of CHF 659.3 million, up 18.9% compared to the previous half (increase of CHF 104.7 million). Loans increased by CHF 4.7 billion and deposits by CHF 3.0 billion, amounting to CHF 228.7 billion in total.

Who heads the new departments in Raiffeisen?

Philipp Ackermann takes over the management of the "Corporate Clients and Commerce" department, Patrick Lehner that of "Private Clients". For the "Products and Solutions" department, Raiffeisen is still looking for a manager. Outgoing executives Roland Altwegg and Helen Fricker will leave the Group in September 2026.

What does "more than half by natural fluctuation" mean?

It means that Raiffeisen does not lay off directly, but lets employees who reach retirement age retire, does not replace those who resign voluntarily, reduces external contracts and proposes early retirement on a voluntary basis to those who have reached the age of 55-58. This strategy minimizes direct layoffs.

Raiffeisen cuts 180 jobs by 2027 (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 26 August 2026

Swiss financial office with professionals at work desks, realistic DSLR photography style.

Raiffeisen announces the reduction of up to 180 seats to reduce costs by CHF 60 million. Structural reorganization in six departments since October.

Context

In a nutshell

Raiffeisen cuts up to 180 jobs in the savings program
Cost reduction of about CHF 60 million by 2027
Reorganisation into 6 departments from October 2026
Record half-year profit: CHF 659.3 million (+18.9%)

Key facts

What: Reduction of jobs and structural reorganization of Raiffeisen Switzerland
When: Cut by 2027; reorganization from October 2026
Where: St. Gallen (Group headquarters)
Who: Raiffeisen Switzerland (13,000 total employees)
Amount of costs: CHF 60 million to be reduced; half-yearly profit CHF 659.3 million
Announcement date: 26 August 2026

Raiffeisen Switzerland announced on Wednesday 26 August that it was cutting up to 180 jobs as part of a savings programme. The goal is to reduce personnel costs and overheads by about CHF 60 million by 2027. This is communicated by the cooperative institution, which currently employs about 13,000 employees.

The reduction will not take place through large-scale direct redundancies. More than half of the posts will be eliminated through the natural fluctuation of staff, the abolition of vacancies, the reduction of external staff and early retirements. An approach that reflects the will to limit occupational trauma while maintaining competitiveness.

Structural reorganization since October

At the same time, Raiffeisen Switzerland is reorganising at a structural level. Starting in October,

Operational details

National Labor Market: What's Changing

Raiffeisen's announcement comes in a context of transformations in the Swiss financial sector. The reduction of 180 positions represents a significant challenge for the national labor market, especially in sectors linked to banking and administration. However, the prevalence of natural attrition and early retirement suggests a less disruptive strategy compared to direct mass layoffs.

Raiffeisen clarifies that more than half of the cuts will happen without forced interventions: through natural retirements of employees, refusing to replace vacant positions, and reducing external personnel (consultants, contractors). Only a smaller portion will involve genuine negotiated early retirements, a common practice in Swiss banks when the company intends to downsize. This choice reduces recourse to actual layoffs.

Cost-Saving Strategies in the Financial Sector

The cut of CHF 60 million in operating costs to be achieved by 2027 corresponds to a significant average. For an institution with 13,000 employees, this figure highlights how Raiffeisen intends to optimize the structure without dismantling entire departments. The reorganization into six departments responds to logics of centralized decision-making and reduction of bureaucratic levels.

The creation of a 'Products and Solutions' department suggests an increased focus on innovation and customization of the offering towards private and corporate clientele. This structural change aims to concentrate expertise on high value-added areas, thus compensating for the numerical reduction of personnel.

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Key points

What to do if you work at Raiffeisen

If you are a Raiffeisen employee, the official communication of August 26 sets an implicit deadline: the reorganization comes into effect in October 2026, cuts must be completed by 2027. This means that personal communications and individual procedures will begin in the coming weeks.

If you are interested in an early retirement proposal, verify with your manager or Human Resources division what the terms are: minimum age, reduction in AVS/LPP pension, temporary supplements offered. Raiffeisen, as an entity with 13,000 employees, has standardized procedures and consultants to negotiate personal conditions.

If your role is eliminated, you have the right to notice in accordance with the collective agreement (for the financial sector generally 30-60 days). Contact the union immediately (e.g. Unia, Vpod) for free advice on acquired rights, unemployment benefits (SECO) and job search strategies.

Market opportunities: where to look

Raiffeisen's cuts do not entail mass expulsion from the market. Other Swiss banks and financial institutions continue to seek sector professionals. The platform Job Listings in Switzerland hosts offers from credit institutions and financial companies seeking staff in similar roles: consultant, analyst, risk manager, compliance officer, administrative specialist.

In addition, public services in your canton of residence offer free support: employment agencies, retraining courses, and career guidance. The Canton of Ticino (if you are from Ticino) and other cantons have continuing education programs for those who wish to change sectors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many places will be cut directly with layoffs?: Raiffeisen does not specify an exact subdivision. The Group announces that "more than half" of the 180 posts will be eliminated through natural fluctuation, elimination of vacancies, external staff reduction and early retirement. About 90 seats will be cut through these methods; the remaining 90 will likely result in direct layoffs and other measures, but the company does not provide precise figures.
By when does Raiffeisen end the savings program?: The Group sets the deadline at 2027 for achieving the target of reducing CHF 60 million in costs. The structural reorganisation into six departments comes into effect from October 2026. Individual communications will begin in the weeks following the August 26, 2026 announcement.
What are Raiffeisen's financial results in 2026?: In the first half of 2026, Raiffeisen recorded a profit of CHF 659.3 million, up 18.9% compared to the previous half (increase of CHF 104.7 million). Loans increased by CHF 4.7 billion and deposits by CHF 3.0 billion, amounting to CHF 228.7 billion in total.
Who heads the new departments in Raiffeisen?: Philipp Ackermann takes over the management of the "Corporate Clients and Commerce" department, Patrick Lehner that of "Private Clients". For the "Products and Solutions" department, Raiffeisen is still looking for a manager. Outgoing executives Roland Altwegg and Helen Fricker will leave the Group in September 2026.
What does "more than half by natural fluctuation" mean?: It means that Raiffeisen does not lay off directly, but lets employees who reach retirement age retire, does not replace those who resign voluntarily, reduces external contracts and proposes early retirement on a voluntary basis to those who have reached the age of 55-58. This strategy minimizes direct layoffs.