If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

At Rabobank, we pride ourselves on knowing the 'lay of the land'. Our hand-picked people are experts in rural banking, finance and ‘on-farm’ knowledge, so they know where you’re coming from and how to get you to where you want to go.

Who better to ask than a fellow farmer?

Our responses to some of the questions we’ve been asked by clients over the years may help you understand more about what we can offer you.

If your questions aren’t answered here, then call your nearest branch or our client services team on 0800 722 622, and we’ll find the answers you’re looking for.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rabobank?

Rabobank began in 1898 in the Netherlands as a rural credit cooperative founded by farmers who sought to provide their rural communities with access to credit to help build and support each other’s businesses. The Cooperative Association of Raiffeisen Banks and the Cooperative Central Farmers’ Credit Bank (Boerenleenbank) were established as banks both 'of the customer' and 'for the customer'.

These banks merged in 1972 to form one central cooperative bank, Rabobank, and today it is one of Europe’s most recognised financial institutions, with more than 1,600 offices and branches in 48 countries, servicing more than 9.5 million clients.

In 1994 Rabobank acquired the Primary Industry Bank of Australia (PIBA) operating in New Zealand and Australia. In 1998 Rabobank purchased Wrightson Farmers Finance Limited in New Zealand.

Rabobank New Zealand operates in four core businesses; Rural Financial Services, Corporate Financial Services, Business Banking and RaboPlus.

Rabobank is now the equal third largest lender to primary producers in New Zealand and second in Australia, with a strong commitment to retain its cooperative structure to best serve its customers and the communities in which it operates.

Can I rely on the strength and security of Rabobank?

Today, the Rabobank Group is the world’s leading food and agribusiness bank, with credit ratings of AAA from Standard & Poor’s and AAA from Moody’s. Rabobank is ranked as one of the world’s largest 25 financial institutions (based on tier one capital) and it has been ranked the safest privately owned bank in the world by Global Finance Magazine* for the last four years. The bank has the benefit of over 110 years of experience and incorporates a global network spanning 48 countries. Rabobank is also the only AAA rated bank in both New Zealand and Australia.

What sets Rabobank apart from other banks?

With our strong food and agribusiness focus and cooperative structure, Rabobank’s approach to business is defined by our people, client focus, knowledge and expertise and global strength.

As one of Australasia’s largest rural lenders we have a unique understanding of the rural industry, its challenges and opportunities. The depth of this specialist knowledge is reflected in the calibre and background of our staff who share our passion for farming and the rural sector.

Our primary focus lies in providing our clients with the best service, value and expertise by gaining a deep understanding of a client’s current business and future goals. To this end, we work closely with clients to develop customer relationships that are recognised as the strongest in the industry. Plus our cooperative structure means that we do not have to meet the demands of shareholders, so our staff and clients are the number one priority.

Rabobank’s flexibility and personal approach to banking is supported by extensive global resources, which includes around 80 specialist analysts located in ten countries from China to Mexico. Rabobank also runs one of the world’s pre-eminent food and agribusiness research units, giving our clients exclusive access to in-depth market information.

Together these factors help Rabobank achieve enviable business growth, customer satisfaction, global efficiencies and product innovation.

What finance product is right for my business and what information do I need to provide?

Rabobank provides specialist rural finance products to established producers in all agricultural sectors, with solid trading performance and sound business management practices. However, ascertaining which loan is most appropriate for you will depend on your current situation and a range of factors, such as how much equity you have, how much you want to borrow, your timeframe and the agribusiness sector that you are in.

This is where the knowledge and experience of a Rabobank rural finance manager can be invaluable. They will visit your property to gain a better understanding of your business operation and thoroughly explain all your options.

Your Rabobank rural finance manager will then supply the necessary documentation required to apply for your loan and discuss what information you need to provide. This may include financial statements, business plans and proof of current assets and liabilities. We may also need to arrange a valuation to accompany your application, as the availability of security over land and/or livestock and plant may be a consideration.