QAZAQ GREEN.  The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has approved a loan package of up to €150 million for Ameriabank, one of Armenia’s leading financial institutions. The financing, to be provided in two tranches — an initial €100 million followed by an additional €50 million — will support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, with a particular focus on regional clients and first-time borrowers.

The initiative will advance Armenia’s transition to a green economy, with Ameriabank allocating at least 40 per cent of the funds to eligible green projects aimed at improving resource efficiency and expanding renewable energy generation. It is accompanied by around €170,000 in technical cooperation funded by the EBRD’s Small Business Impact Fund, as well as EU-supported advisory and capacity-building programmes worth up to €75,000 to strengthen MSME competitiveness, innovation and export readiness.

George Akhalkatsi, the EBRD Head of Armenia, said the facility will play a significant role in reinforcing the private sector and accelerating the country’s green transition. Ameriabank CEO Artak Hanesyan said the partnership will expand the bank’s MSME and green lending portfolios, supporting business growth and sustainable development nationwide.

The transaction aligns with the EBRD’s country strategy for Armenia and its Financial Sector Strategy, as well as the Green Economy Transition Approach and Gender Equality Strategy. Ameriabank is a market leader in digital transformation, regional outreach and inclusive finance. It is Armenia’s second-largest bank by total assets and the largest by loan portfolio. The bank’s majority shareholder is Lion Finance Group, listed on the London Stock Exchange; the EBRD holds a minority stake.

Since the start of its operations in Armenia in 1992, the EBRD has invested nearly €2.6 billion in 232 projects across financial services, corporate development, infrastructure and energy, with 83 per cent directed toward private-sector growth.