EBRD Approves Up To €150 Million For Ameriabank To Expand MSME Lending And Boost Armenia’s Green Transition

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 financing will be provided in two parts: an initial €100 million followed by an additional €50 million. This facility will enable Ameriabank to expand lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across the country, with particular focus on reaching clients in the regions and first-time borrowers. A key component of the initiative is its support for Armenia’s green transition.

Ameriabank has committed to allocating at least 40 per cent of the loan proceeds to eligible green investments, including projects that improve resource efficiency and support the generation of renewable energy. To strengthen this effort, technical cooperation worth around €170,000—funded by the EBRD’s Small Business Impact Fund and supported by Ameriabank—will help with the implementation and monitoring of green projects. An additional set of EU-funded advisory and capacity-building programmes, valued at up to €75,000, will help Armenian MSMEs improve their competitiveness, innovate, and build readiness for export markets.

George Akhalkatsi, the EBRD’s Head of Armenia, stated that the facility will play an important role in boosting the country’s private sector and accelerating its shift toward a greener economy. He noted that Ameriabank’s strong market position, innovative approach, and commitment to MSME development make it a strong partner for the EBRD’s priorities in Armenia. Ameriabank’s CEO, Artak Hanesyan, said the bank is pleased to deepen its long-standing partnership with the EBRD. He explained that the new financing will support the expansion of Ameriabank’s MSME and green lending portfolios, helping businesses grow while contributing to sustainable development across the country.

The loan aligns with the EBRD’s broader strategy for Armenia, as well as its Financial Sector Strategy, its Green Economy Transition Approach, and its Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality. Ameriabank is recognized as a leader in digital transformation, regional outreach, and inclusive finance. It is the second-largest bank in Armenia by total assets and the largest by loan portfolio. With 26 branches in major cities and key regions, as well as a strong suite of digital services, the bank is well positioned to reach a wide base of businesses and private-sector clients.

Ameriabank is majority-owned by Lion Finance Group, listed on the London Stock Exchange, while the EBRD holds a minority share. Since starting operations in Armenia in 1992, the EBRD has invested nearly €2.6 billion in 232 projects across sectors including finance, corporate development, infrastructure and energy, with 83 per cent of its investments supporting private-sector growth.