Raiffeisen Bank invested 130 million in barrier-free access: how banking is changing.

According to ТСН: In Ukraine, there are over three and a half million people with disabilities, and this number is growing every day. Among them are thousands of veterans returning from the front, adapting to a new life and making plans alongside their families. Inclusivity and barrier-free access have become not just questions of humanity, but a path to restoring dignity, equality of opportunities, and creating a society that leaves nobody behind. For many Ukrainians, these concepts have become important values for the development of the country.

How and who creates a barrier-free environment

When society faces challenges, business changes too. Companies that provide conditions for everyone become a support for employees, clients, and the state. One such company is Raiffeisen Bank, which is working on creating a barrier-free environment where everyone matters. They are developing accessible branches and ATMs, as well as social initiatives to support veterans.

“After the full-scale war began in our country, thousands of military personnel, veterans, and people with injuries, with new needs, appeared. At this moment, it became clear: a bank that works for society cannot remain indifferent. It was then, in 2022, that we launched our barrier-free strategy. And today, in 2025, this strategy returns to us the most valuable thing — the trust of our clients,” says

Oksana Shevchenko

Inclusivity at Raiffeisen Bank

In the last two years, Raiffeisen Bank has adapted 225 branches, of which 195 have become completely inclusive.

This means not only ramps and call buttons, but also an adapted internal space: ATMs at a comfortable height, open cash desks, holders for crutches, and furniture accessible for wheelchairs. The bank has invested over 130 million hryvnias into these initiatives.

“For us, 'accessible banking' means that a person can use financial services without any barriers. Today, most of our branches are barrier-free: with ramps, wide doors, crutch holders, and comfortable furniture. 100% of Raiffeisen ATMs have basic accessibility features for clients with visual and mobility impairments. We see that clients use and appreciate this approach. And for us, this is the best evidence that inclusion works,” remarks

Yulia Chemeryska

Digital accessibility

Inclusion is not just about physical space. The bank is also working on digital accessibility: the MyRaif application is being adapted to international WCAG standards; clients with hearing impairments can identify themselves online using a sign language interpreter.

“The bank is developing services that make finances simple and accessible for everyone. All Raiffeisen ATMs have a headphone jack and a keyboard with a central button and tactile markers. We are adapting the website and the MyRaif application to international digital accessibility standards so that everyone can use the services regardless of physical abilities,” says

Yulia Chemeryska

Veterans in the team and support for military personnel

More than 50 veterans work in the bank's team, and about 300 defenders serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their jobs have been preserved, and salaries have reached over 370 million hryvnias. The bank also finances rehabilitation, prosthetics, adaptive sports, and even the creation of adaptive clothing for veterans.

“Raiffeisen became the first bank in Ukraine to introduce the position of Veteran Officer and has for the second time consecutively entered the TOP-30 best employers for veterans according to Forbes Ukraine. The bank has a program for veterans, which includes medical and psychological assistance, rehabilitation, and more,” says

Oksana Shevchenko

Raiffeisen Bank's internal culture

Inclusion starts not only with signs on doors but also with the team. 57% of the top management are women, 6% of the team are young people under 25, 4% are colleagues aged 60 and older. The bank supports women's leadership programs and assistance to families. 90% of employees consider the bank's culture to be inclusive.

“Training is the foundation for barrier-free service. It gives employees not just instructions, but an understanding of different types of disabilities,” says

Yulia Chemeryska

Plans for the future

By the end of 2025, Raiffeisen plans to make about 20 more branches inclusive. “We strive for inclusivity to become a standard in every channel — in branches, digital products, services. It's not just about accessibility, but also about the attitude towards each client,” notes

Yulia Chemeryska

Eventually, barrier-free access will become the norm: “I am convinced that barrier-free access is a sign of a company's maturity. And those who make inclusion part of their DNA will become the shapers of a new quality of society,” adds

Oksana Shevchenko

Barrier-free access is about equality, trust, and a society that respects everyone.