The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a loan package of up to €150 million for Ameriabank, one of Armenia’s leading financial institutions, the bank reported. The money comes in two parts—an initial €100 million plus another €50 million—and will help Ameriabank finance micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, with a focus on reaching regional clients and new borrowers. At least 40 percent of the proceeds will go to green investments that boost resource efficiency and renewable energy generation.
Technical cooperation worth around €170,000, funded by the EBRD’s Small Business Impact Fund, will help implement and monitor green projects. Ameriabank is also chipping in for this initiative. Additional EU-funded advisory and capacity-building programs worth up to €75,000 will help small businesses improve their competitiveness, innovation and export readiness.
“This facility will play a key role in strengthening Armenia’s private sector and speeding up its green transition,” said George Akhalkatsi, the EBRD’s Head of Armenia.
Artak Hanesyan, CEO of Ameriabank, said the bank is proud to be strengthening its partnership with the EBRD and expanding its lending to small businesses and green projects. “This collaboration will boost our ability to support Armenian businesses, drive economic growth and promote sustainable development throughout the country,” he added. The deal fits with the EBRD’s country strategy for Armenia and its Financial Sector Strategy, as well as the Green Economy Transition Approach and the Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality.
Ameriabank is the second largest of Armenia’s 17 banks by total assets and first by loan portfolio. Through its digital solutions and 26 branches in major cities and the country’s most populated regions, the bank can reach a wide range of private-sector businesses. Ameriabank is majority owned by Lion Finance Group, a holding company listed on the London Stock Exchange. The EBRD is a minority shareholder.
Since launching operations in Armenia in 1992, the EBRD has invested nearly €2.6 billion in 232 projects across the financial, corporate, infrastructure and energy sectors. Eighty-three percent of that funding has gone to developing the private sector. The new loan package continues the EBRD’s commitment to supporting Armenia’s economic development and green transition through partnerships with local financial institutions.
