Rabobank announced plans to reorganize its lending unit focused on the food and agriculture sectors. The changes are expected to take effect in early 2025.
Els Kamphof
The Netherlands-based Rabobank, closely followed for its in-depth reports in the grain sector, plans to reorganize the division responsible for providing loans to the food and agriculture sectors. Els Kamphof, group director responsible for wholesale and rural areas at Rabobank, stated that the changes will not lead to layoffs and will be implemented at the beginning of next year.
Rabobank executives aim to combine their global lending offerings, which encompass project financing as well as trade and commodity finance. According to reports, the operations of the wholesale and rural unit in Asia will be merged with those in Europe and Africa. Kamphof noted, “Customers expect quick service and a digital offering,” adding, “This necessitates a simpler organization.”
Additionally, it has been learned that Rabobank is also reorganizing its retail operations in the Netherlands. This year, the bank consolidated its activities for private and commercial clients into a single unit. Rabobank’s wholesale and rural division increased its net profit by 61% in the first half of the year, reaching €463 million ($499 million). According to Bloomberg, while Rabobank aims to expand in Asia, it faces challenges due to the competitive landscape.