Pursuant to a number of EU directives, which in Austria have been implemented through the Deposit Guarantee Schemes and Investor Compensation Act ("Einlagensicherungs- und Anlegerentschädigungsgesetz" - ESAEG), every credit institution which accepts deposits that are subject to a deposit guarantee scheme, or which provides securities services which are subject to investor compensation, is required by law to participate in a guarantee scheme.

As an Austrian bank, Bank Austria is required to comply with the provisions of the Austrian Deposit Guarantee Schemes and Investor Compensation Act. Bank Austria is member of a statutory deposit guarantee scheme, the Austrian "Einlagensicherung AUSTRIA Ges.m.b.H.“ (ESA).

Items which are not eligible for coverage by the deposit guarantee schemes and investor compensation are specified in Sections 10 (1) and 47 (2) of the Austrian Deposit Guarantee Schemes and Investor Compensation Act.