Register today to access recent news and articles.

Ameriabank Secures €105M EIB Loan to Boost SME Financing

Ameriabank has secured a €105m loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), marking the largest direct EIB financing for a South Caucasus bank. The funding will enhance access to affordable loans for micro, small, and mid-cap businesses, supporting growth, competitiveness, and sustainability initiatives.

At least 20 per cent of the funds will be allocated to green projects, promoting environmental protection. Part of the financing will be provided in AMD to shield MSMEs from currency risks.

“EIB already has a significant contribution in financing infrastructure projects and we are honored that the lending will also be provided to SMEs,” said Ameriabank CFO Hovhannes Toroyan.

According to him, Ameriabank is Armenia’s largest lender with a total loan portfolio of AMD 1.3tn (US$3.35bn), including a total SME portfolio of AMD 270bn (US675.9m) as of the end of 2024.

“We serve about 50,000 SMEs daily across the country,” he said.

“Ameriabank has a background of cooperation with international financial organisations and investors to promote green investments in the country,” added Toroyan.

The deal aligns with EIB’s broader support for Armenia, bringing its total commitments in the country to nearly €1bn.

Head of the EU mission in Armenia, Ambassador Vasilis Maragos said that the deal shows the willingness to support the Armenian economy, as well as the spirit and talent of Armenian entrepreneurs. “In addition, it also shows the sustainability of the Armenian banking sector,” he said.

According to Maragos, among the goals of the agreement are the creation of 15,000 new jobs, as well as the creation of new and strengthening of existing businesses as a support to the Armenian economy, in general.

This transaction follows a US$200m financing deal between Ameriabank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), underscoring the bank’s ongoing drive to attract international funding for sustainable economic growth.

To top