Thursday, September 16 2010 16:49
Ameriabank CJSC sets example with implementation of Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS)
ArmInfo. Ameriabank CJSC, with the support of the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO), and DEG - Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, successfully completed the introduction and implementation of an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). It is one of the first banks in the region to have developed and implemented an ESMS. As a result of this, FMO and DEG grant Ameriabank a certificate of appreciation, as well as a reduction in the interest rate of the facility signed between FMO, DEG and Ameriabank in December 2009. The facility is a long-term USD 30mln loan (out of which USD 20mln is for small and medium enterprise financing and USD10mln for renewable energy financing), equally shared between FMO and DEG, and represents FMO's first financing in Armenia.
By implementing the ESMS, Ameriabank commits to comply with local and international environmental and social regulations and worldwide best practices applicable to its operations and business services.
April 2010, Ameriabank started exploring the principles of environmental and social risk management: the development of an internal ESMS policy, procedures and tools, training of staff and the realization of a pilot running of the System. By July 2010, Ameriabank had adopted and integrated environmental and social risk management in all ongoing corporate lending/finance operations. Ameriabank was supported by the international consultant FI Konsult s.r.o (Czech Republic) and FMO's Capacity Development (CD) Program.
As Artak Hanesyan, Director General of Ameriabank said: "Ameriabank regards sustainable development as a fundamental aspect of sound business management. The bank's objective is to responsibly manage the environmental and social risks associated with its operations in order to minimize impacts on the environment and our stakeholders, and to enhance long term returns to our shareholders. The purpose of the bank's Environmental and Social Risk Management Policy is to create a framework and culture for understanding and managing our direct and indirect environmental and social impacts, risks and opportunities."
Jurgen Rigterink, Chief Investment Officer of FMO stated: "This is the first time a margin reduction as incentive scheme has been implemented by FMO, together with our partner institution DEG. It will bring about improved management of Environmental and Social Risks to world class standards, by fully integrating this in the daily Risk Management of the bank. Ameriabank has shown exemplary commitment in bringing about this change so soon after signing the Loan Agreement with DEG and FMO. Our institutions are committed to adding value to our clients through Sustainability Development, as demonstrated by both the ESMS and the Renewable Energy component to this loan. A true 'example transaction' that will change the way we, and our partners, approach E&S."
The Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) is the international development bank of the Netherlands. FMO invests risk capital in companies and financial institutions in developing countries. With an investment portfolio of 4.6 billion EUR, FMO is one of the largest bilateral private sector development banks worldwide. Thanks in part to its relationship with the Dutch government, FMO is able to take risks which commercial financiers are not - or not yet - prepared to take. FMO's mission: to create flourishing enterprises and financial institutions, which can serve as engines of sustainable growth in their countries.
Ameriabank is owned by TDA Holdings Limited, an investment company affiliated with Troika Dialog, a leading Russian investment banking group. Since the beginning of the current year to August the bank has increased its credit portfolio by 40% - up to 73 bln drams.
Active consumer lending causes double-digit growth in bad loans 
Luys Foundation: Armenian government continues to face challenges in budget planning
Armenia`s brandy and winemaking industry in crisis - economist 
Even at embryonic stage, powerful impetus given to economic activity in energy sector - ENA acting manager 
Armenian NA OKs ENA nationalization 
China preparing to open new chapter of One Belt, One Road initiative with involvement of Armenia - diplomat 
The Merger between "Ardshinbank" CJSC and "Ardshininvestbank" CJSC Has Been Completed
Ticket packets 1.2% of total number of transport tickets in Yerevan